Oklahoma Violent Death Reporting System
Oklahoma is one of 42 states and territories that participate in the National Violent Death Reporting System. The Oklahoma Violent Death Reporting System (OKVDRS) collects data on homicides, suicides, deaths due to unintentional firearm injury, legal intervention, or terrorism. Deaths of undetermined manner/intent are also included in the reporting system.
Data are collected from death certificates, medical examiner reports, and law enforcement records. Specific information on victims, suspects, weapons, and circumstances surrounding the deaths are included in the database.
During 2012-2016, an average of 1,138 Oklahomans died each year as a result of violence.
- Suicide was the leading type of violent death accounting for an average of 743 deaths per year.
- Mental health issues, intimate partner problems, depressed mood, and physical health problems were the most common substances leading to suicide.
- Homicide was the second leading type of violent death accounting for an average of 268 deaths per year.
- Arguments, criminal activity, intimate partner violence, and drug involvement were the circumstances most often associated with homicide.
- Undetermined manner/intent was the third leading type of violent death accounting for an average of 89 deaths per year.
- Overall, males were more likely to be victims of violent death than females.
- Firearms were used to kill in 58% of all violent deaths, including 61% of suicides and 64% of homicides.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health collaborates with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to collect the data.
OK-VDRS Reports
- OKVDRS Brief Report
- NEW - Violent Deaths Among Children, 2016-2020
- Firearm Deaths in Oklahoma
- Youth and Young Adult Suicide Report Oklahoma 2020
- Suicide Among Vets in Oklahoma, 2015-2019
- Suicide in Oklahoma, 2020
- Suicide in Oklahoma, 2019
- Suicide in Oklahoma, 2018
- Suicide in Oklahoma, 2017
- Suicide in Oklahoma, 2016
- Young Adult (Aged 18-24) Suicide in Oklahoma, 2011-2015
- Suicide in Oklahoma, 2015
- Male Suicide Aged 25-54 in Oklahoma, 2011-2015
- Youth Suicide in Oklahoma, 2010-2014
- Violent Deaths among Adults 55 Years and Older in Oklahoma
- Legal Intervention Deaths in Oklahoma
- Suicide among Veterans in Oklahoma -- See the poster presentation
- Unintentional Firearm Deaths, Oklahoma, 2004-2010
- Violent Deaths among Children 0-17 Years of Age, Oklahoma, 2004-2009
- Violent Deaths among Native Americans in Oklahoma, 2004-2008
- Youth Suicide in Oklahoma, 2004-2007
- OKVDRS Suicide Regional Fact Sheets
- Region 1: Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Ottawa, Rogers, and Washington Counties
- Region 3: Tulsa County
- Region 6: Atoka, Choctaw, Coal, Haskell, Hughes, Latimer, LeFlore, McCurtain, Pittsburg, and Pushmataha Counties
- Region 7: Bryan, Carter, Garvin, Johnston, Love, Marshall, Murray, Pontotoc, and Seminole Counties
- Region 8: Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Stephens, and Tillman Counties
- Region 9: Caddo, Beckham, Blaine, Custer, Greer, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Washita Counties
- Region 10: Alfalfa, Beaver, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Major, Texas, Woods, and Woodward Counties
- Region 11: Kay, Noble, Osage, Pawnee, and Payne Counties
- Region 13: Creek, Okfuskee, and Okmulgee Counties
- Region 14: Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, and Pottawatomie Counties
- Region 15: Cleveland and McClain Counties
- Region 16: McIntosh and Muskogee Counties
- Region 17: Canadian and Grady Counties
- Region 18: Oklahoma County
- Region 21: Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah, and Wagoner Counties
- Summary of Violent Deaths in Oklahoma
Related Reports
- Injury Free Oklahoma 2010-2015: Strategic Plan for Injury and Violence Prevention — Violence
- Summary of Reportable Injuries
- Oklahoma City Bombing
- Fact Sheets
