Brief Overview This Community Assessment Tool, or CAT, is designed to help you measure various aspects of violence in your community and make informed decisions. Results can be used to improve existing violence prevention programs, develop new initiatives, coordinate efforts with community groups, and educate elected officials and the media. CAT reveals strengths and weaknesses in a community's effort to make their homes, schools, and streets safer. CAT pulls together state and county data on a number of violence categories and risk factors for violent behavior, and allows for the addition of locally based information. With this information you can make systematic comparisons and examine trends over time. This comprehensive system of analysis can assist you in interpreting data, investigating issues related to violence, and ultimately to aid in decision making. However, the final interpretation of the results will be guided by your own expertise, knowledge, and insights concerning your community. Before you get started, please read the following sections. Defining Your Community Comparing Rates Determining Focus Areas Talking About Risk Factors Community Response

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