Aug 2023

Brookings Institution Commentary: Making the invisible epidemic visible

Jens Ludwig

New approaches can help connect domestic violence survivors to services.

Using new data from a large urban trauma center in Chicago, we document substantial under-reporting of domestic violence at the time of receiving medical care. Our analysis suggests that many women who receive treatment for their injuries in the emergency room (ER) do not disclose domestic violence victimization to medical personnel but do report to law enforcement within several days. This points to a missed opportunity to offer services and protection to domestic violence survivors earlier and in a more appropriate setting.

Latest Updates

A Better Conversation on Guns
Op-Ed
Jan 2025

A Better Conversation on Guns

Crime Lab affiliate Megan Kang highlights the importance of addressing gun violence through meaningful conversations with gun owners, focusing on their perspectives and values to develop more effective and inclusive solutions.

Crime in Context, Locally and Nationally
Op-Ed
Jan 2025

Crime in Context, Locally and Nationally

Crime Lab affiliate Aaron Chalfin examines nationwide declines in murders, explores shifting crime dynamics, and underscores the importance of data-driven strategies and interventions to improve public safety.

Unforgiving Places: The Behavioral Science of Ending Gun Violence
Event
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Feb 2025

Unforgiving Places: The Behavioral Science of Ending Gun Violence

In this talk hosted by Chicago Booth’s Think Better Speaker Series, Jens Ludwig will argue that the lack of progress in reducing gun violence ultimately stems from our having misunderstood the nature of the problem, and that behavioral science gives us a new way to understand – and solve – gun violence in America.