For more information about what data is available for request, click here.
The Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), housed within the Department of Public Health, works to strengthen coordination, capacity and partnerships to address the root causes of violence, and to advance policies and practices that are grounded in race equity, to prevent all forms of violence and to promote healing across all communities in Los Angeles County.
OVP monitors the trends and circumstances of violent deaths affecting Los Angeles County to inform decision makers and program planners about ways to prevent and intervene on violence in the community, at home and in the workplace.
November is Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to honor our country’s service members and their loved ones, and to recognize the tremendous contributions military families make in support of our nation.
National Military Family Month has its roots in 1996, when it was first recognized by the Armed Services YMCA, a nonprofit dedicated to serving military families. Since then, it has been declared National Veterans and Military Families month and has gained national recognition as an opportunity to celebrate and support service members and military families for their strength, resilience, and sacrifice.
Los Angeles County is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country. And as we honor and celebrate our military veterans, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the mental health and wellbeing of our veteran community. Between 2015 and 2023, there were 7,866 suicide deaths in Los Angeles County and 796 (over 10%) were veterans. Among veteran suicides, firearms continue to play a significant role, being involved in 62% of veteran suicides compared to 30% among non-veterans.1
Understanding the factors that contribute to veteran suicide and learning from them helps guide prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts across county departments and community partners. In 2020, through a motion by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, LA County established its first Veteran Suicide Review Team (VSRT), a multidisciplinary group that reviews the detailed circumstances surrounding veteran suicide deaths in LA County. The VSRT’s mission is to use data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for intervention that can inform policies and programs to reduce suicide among veterans. The insights gained through this work are not only critical to supporting veterans and their families but also serve as a foundation for future suicide prevention strategies that can be expanded to all county residents.
OVP also works to prevent veteran suicide through our Gun Safety Initiative. Through the initiative, a dedicated team provides educational presentations and firearm safety tools throughout Los Angeles County, including to veteran populations. OVP is collaborating with the Department of Mental Health’s Veteran & Military Family Services Program to establish gun lock distribution sites at the program’s offices at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall and the MLK Behavioral Health Center. Additionally, the team provides educational presentations and tables at events serving veteran communities throughout the county. If your organization is interested in a presentation or obtaining gun locks, please contact OVP's Gun Safety Team at ovp@ph.lacounty.gov. If you are a veteran in need of support, please reach out to the Veteran Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1 or text 838255.
1. Los Angeles County Annual 2018-2022 Data Files and 2023 Provisional Data File, assembled from CA Dept ofPublic Health Vital Records Data. Office of Health Assessment & Epidemiology, Los Angeles County Dept of Public Health. Data compiled for Appendix A in VSRT report to Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors 11/4/2024.
November is also nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month (NAHM), a time to honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of Native American communities across the United States. This month serves as both a celebration and an opportunity for education, reflection, and action. By uplifting Native narratives, we acknowledge the languages, cultural practices, and traditional wisdom that continue to shape our nation.
As such, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in Los Angeles County encouraging all County departments and residents to participate in related events and programming that honor Native American history, culture, and contributions.
Intimate partner violence impacts many of Los Angeles County’s youth. According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, during 2021, 7.3% of high school students in LAUSD reported experiencing sexual dating violence in the past year and 5.7% reported experiencing physical dating violence.2 Among young adults ages 18-24, the 2023 Los Angeles County Health Survey found that 8.3% reported ever experiencing physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner.3
Beliefs about relationships, respect and boundaries are often formed during adolescence. By engaging young people early, we can prevent unhealthy relationship patterns and encourage respect, consent an open communication.
To support this goal, OVP developed the Check for Respect Teen Dating Violence Prevention Toolkit, a resource designed to help teens and young adults recognize the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships. It also provides guidance for adults who work with youth to help them recognize when a young person may be in an unsafe relationship and how to connect them with support.
The toolkit includes a poster, postcard, handout and stickers that educate about respect, consent and boundaries in dating relationships. OVP developed the toolkit in collaboration with county departments and youth-serving organizations.
2. 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available: https://nccd.cdc.gov/Youthonline/App/Default.aspx. Accessed 5/22/2023. 3. 2023 Los Angeles County Health Survey; Office of Health Assessment and Epidemiology, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Recent actions by immigration enforcement agents have caused fear and anxiety in communities across Los Angeles County. The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) stands in solidarity with immigrant communities during this time of uncertainty and upheaval. We are committed to upholding the core principles of public health, including equity, compassion, promoting wellbeing, and preventing harm by supporting communities across Los Angeles County regardless of their immigration status.
Detention, deportation and threat of deportation affect undocumented people, their children and family members who are often legal residents, anyone perceived to be an immigrant based on skin color or other factors, people with whom they share communities or schools, and our broader society. The health of our communities cannot be upheld, promoted, or protected when our immigrant and refugee communities are in fear of being detained and deported.
Now is the time to come together, speak up, and support each other. We are here. We care. And we will keep working side by side with our communities to ensure that every person and community is treated with human dignity. Towards this end OVP will continue to share information and resources with all immigrant populations and with our community partners; create and support healing spaces and venues; and support those on the frontlines to facilitate access to resources.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Red Cards inform how people can assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when immigration agents go to a home.
California Collaborative For Immigrant Justice
CCIJ utilizes coordination, advocacy, and legal services to fight for the liberation of immigrants in detention in California. CCIJ uses legal and advocacy initiatives, data and reporting, public health and immigrant detention and campaigns for liberation to strengthen and guide both grassroots and statewide efforts.
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
CHIRLA's Workers' Rights and Labor Legal Services Department works at the intersection of immigration law and employment law. Access immigration legal services for students, deportation defense, family immigration and unity, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Detention Support
What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration
To locate a loved one that has been detained for more than 48 hours, visit the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.Please note: Online Detainee Locator System cannot search for records of persons under the age of 18.
LAUSD Parent and Family Academy Webinar Recording: Know Your Rights essential updates, real-life vignettes, and a family preparedness plan. English | Español
The Mobile Immigrant Services Clinic provides free, in-language support to immigrants experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity across LA County.
Provide emergency childcare, food, and transportation.
Shop for their groceries or run errands for them if they do not feel safe leaving their homes. Visit FREE food distributions at DPH Wellness Centers and offer to pick it up for them.
Help cover rent, utilities, or lost income.
Connect folks to legal aid and help gather vital documents.
Encourage and assist them make plans for what to do when a family member is displaced.
Offer mental health support, healing circles, and spaces to feel safe again.
Keep showing up! - Organize, advocate, and amplify their stories.
Medi-Cal & Personal Data
There are reports that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may have shared personal data, including immigration status, of Medi-Cal members with the Department of Homeland Security. The State of California has been attempting to verify if this occurred but has been unable to do so at this point. Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) continues to administer the Medi-Cal program, which provides health care access to over 3.4 million residents across Los Angeles County.
DPSS suggests customers consider a few things:
Eligibility rules for Medi-Cal and other DPSS-administered programs have not changed. If any changes do occur, you will be notified.
DPSS services are available remotely. You can reach them at 866-613-3777, or through the BenefitsCal website.
Familiarize yourself with the Know Your Rights materials they have distributed on social media platforms and at our public offices.
My Tree of Pride/Nuestro Árbol del Orgullo: A gentle art activity for children and kids at heart to celebrate their roots, express their dreams, and reclaim joy—especially in the face of anti-immigrant messages that can weigh on their hearts.
It’s okay if you’re feeling confused, scared, or unsure.
Do you want to talk about what’s happening?
Some people in our country are being taken away from their homes because of where they were born, where their families are from, or how they got here.
Families are being separated, and this is hurting a lot of people - including kids just like you.
This is not okay, and it is not how these issues are supposed to be handled. Everyone deserves to feel safe, to be with their families, and to have a place to call home.
There are many reasons why someone might come to this country. Most people want to create a beautiful life for themselves and their families, just like we do.
You may have heard the word ICE, which stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is the law enforcement agency that comes to send people away.
Many of our community members are working hard to protect people and keep everyone safe. Many people are raising their voices to speak up for change.
People like me are here to help keep you safe and informed. You can always ask questions. You can always talk to me.
It’s okay to feel big feelings about this. Scared. Mad. Confused. You are not alone.
You can help by learning, listening, and speaking up for what is right. Every voice matters - including yours.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention, in partnership with Southern California Grantmakers, is excited to announce 12 community-based organizations that have been selected to receive funding as part of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Community Grant. This represents the first time Los Angeles County has allocated funding of this scale, $2 million, for GBV prevention efforts. Awardees were selected through a competitive review process and represent a diverse and dynamic group of organizations committed to advancing GBV prevention, healing, and safety across Los Angeles County.
We sincerely thank all the organizations that applied and recognize the time, care, and commitment that went into each proposal. The overwhelming response to this opportunity reflects the depth of work happening across our communities to end GBV. We are honored to collaborate with these trusted organizations and other county and communities partners to advance this vital work.
The following organizations will lead innovative efforts across four strategic focus areas:
Healthy Relationships Education & Training
Alma Family Services (Supervisorial District 1)
$200,000
Inner City Visions (Supervisorial District 2)
$174,555
Haven Hills (Supervisorial District 3)
$119,047
Interval House (Supervisorial District 4)
$200,000
Child & Family Center (Supervisorial District 5)
$200,000
Engaging Men & Boys
Jail Guitar Doors
$199,993
The Prism Way
$173,837
LGBTQ+ Youth Leaders
Latino Equality Alliance
$165,883
Men's Health Foundation
$145,240
Minority AIDS Project
$164,922
Economic Empowerment for Women & Girls
Maternal & Child Health Access
$112,167
Sanctuary of Hope
$99,501
OVP is Distributing 60,000 Gun Locks; Free, No Questions Asked
On Tuesday, April 2, the Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention publicly launched an initiative to help prevent the devastating impact of gun violence including the tragedy of unintentional shootings – which disproportionately affect children – and gun suicides. As part of the initiative, OVP will be distributing 60,000 gun locks; free, no questions asked.
The locks, educational materials and community resources are available through this Gun Lock Request Form and six County medical facilities: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, High Desert Regional Health Center, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center, Olive View – UCLA Medical Center, and Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.
“Far too many families have experienced the terrible pain of losing a child or teen-ager to gun violence,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Department of Public Health. “In a number of these cases, the simple act of locking and safely storing firearms would have prevented a tragedy.”
Dr. Ferrer was joined by several speakers at Rancho Los Amigos for the official, public kickoff of the gun lock distribution program, including Dr. Shannon Thyne, Director of Pediatrics for the L.A. County Department of Health Services, and two survivors of gun violence.
A total of 13 gun safety and community organizations participated in a resource fair at Rancho Los Amigos following the end of the formal ceremony.
Distribution of gun locks is part of OVP’s comprehensive strategy to reduce gun violence in our communities, which includes developing the 40-point Gun Violence Prevention Platform, providing education about various restraining orders, supporting federal and state gun safety legislation, a school safety initiative, and partnering with health care providers on discussing safe storage with their patients.
OVP supports the County’s LA vs. Hate Initiative led by the Human Relations Commission in collaboration with community partners. LA vs Hate is a community-centered creative campaign to encourage and support all residents of Los Angeles County to unite against, report, and resist hate.
If you are the victim, or witness of, a hate incident or hate crime you can report the incident/crime with 211 LA. Your report is confidential and 211 is not affiliated with law enforcement.
After extensive review and input, the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) Early Implementation Strategic Plan was adopted by the County Leadership Committee and Community Partnership Council in September 2020. Read more about OVP Early Implementation Strategic Plan here.
The OVP Strategic Plan is a live document and we welcome your ongoing feedback, specifically as it pertains to our priorities, goals, objectives and strategies. Please provide your input by sending an email to ovp@ph.lacounty.gov or email Andrea Welsing, OVP Director, directly at awelsing@ph.lacounty.gov. We hope you will provide your thoughts, comments and recommendations for the Strategic Plan and that you will continue to be part of our violence prevention and healing efforts as we work together to advance strategies to prevent violence and promote healing.
