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"Community Violence Intervention is vital for fostering safer environments by addressing root causes and supporting at-risk individuals towards positive pathways."

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WHAT Is CVI

Community Violence Intervention (CVI) refers to a public health approach aimed at preventing and reducing community violence. It involves implementing strategies and programs that address the root causes of violence and work to interrupt the cycle of violence in communities. CVI recognizes violence as a contagious social problem that can spread through communities, and it seeks to intervene at various levels to break the cycle.

How we do it

Key components of Community Violence Intervention include:

Crisis Intervention: Immediate responses (Trusted Messengers) to prevent retaliatory violence after a violent incident has occurred.
Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Facilitating conversations and mediating conflicts to prevent them from escalating into violence.
Community Mobilization: Engaging communities in efforts to address the social determinants of violence, such as poverty, lack of education, and systemic inequality.
Resource Provision: Providing resources and support to individuals at risk of involvement in violence, such as job training, education, and mental health services.
Outreach and Support Services: Engaging with individuals involved in or at risk of involvement in violence, and offering support services to address their needs.
Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policy changes that address systemic issues contributing to violence, such as gun control, criminal justice reform, and community development.
Re-Entry Programs and Services for At-Risk Returning Residents: The ongoing mass incarceration crisis that disproportionately targets and harms Black and Brown communities contributes to and exacerbates many of the root causes of cyclical violence.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Integrated Mentorship Programs for At-Risk Individuals:
Cognitive behavioral therapy-integrated mentorship programs link at-risk individuals to mentors
from their community who have similar lived experiences and provide individual attention and

CVI is often implemented collaboratively with various stakeholders, including community organizations, law enforcement, public health agencies, and local government. By taking a multi-faceted and community-centered approach, CVI aims to create safer and healthier environments, ultimately reducing the incidence of violence and its impact on communities.

Who do we partner with

Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): Collaborating with CBOs that have existing relationships and trust within the community can enhance the effectiveness of CVI efforts. These organizations often provide services such as youth programming, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and employment assistance.
Faith-Based Organizations: Religious institutions play a significant role in many communities and can serve as valuable partners in CVI initiatives. They often provide space for community gatherings, counseling services, and outreach programs.
Schools and Educational Institutions: Partnering with schools and educational institutions allows for the implementation of violence prevention programs, conflict resolution training, and after-school activities aimed at keeping youth engaged and away from violence.
Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities, can play a role in CVI by identifying and addressing the physical and psychological effects of violence on individuals and communities.
Businesses and Employers: Engaging businesses and employers in CVI efforts can involve providing job opportunities, job training programs, and economic development initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and addressing social determinants of violence.
Neighborhood Associations: Collaborating with neighborhood associations and residents' groups can help identify local priorities, mobilize community members, and support grassroots efforts to address violence at the neighborhood level.
Research Institutions and Universities: Partnering with research institutions and universities can provide access to expertise, data analysis, and evaluation support to assess the effectiveness of CVI interventions and inform evidence-based practices.
Other Stakeholders: Depending on the specific context, other stakeholders such as youth organizations, cultural institutions, advocacy groups, and philanthropic organizations may also be valuable partners in CVI efforts.
Media Outlets: Partnering with media outlets can help raise awareness about CVI initiatives, disseminate information about available resources and services, and counter negative narratives about violence in the community.

Have you been impacted by violence and want to make a difference in your community? Email us now, and let's discuss how you, as a community member, can help bring positive change to your community.

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