Violence: A Health Issue

Violence of all forms affects our city, devastating families and communities. Violence is a health issue in need of a health approach in response.

A health approach means a focus on preventing events, providing treatment for people at the most risk and changing social expectations. It can help us better understand the root causes of gun violence by focusing on social services, education and other factors that can prevent gun violence. This differs from a criminal justice approach, which does not address how inequity and structural racism can diminish these factors and lead to gun violence in a community.

The health approach to violence encourages supportive relationships and life skills education, which can decrease violent behaviors. It also means helping communities design creative solutions to addressing gun violence.

Violence Prevention Initiative

The Health Department has invested in violence prevention since 2012 with the oversight of the Cure Violence Program. Over the years, the program has evolved into the Violence Prevention Initiative (PDF) which focuses on neighborhoods that have a high level of community violence. This initiative aims to reduce risk factors for violence by addressing behavioral and structural impediments and investing in neighborhoods most affected by violence.

The NYC Violence Prevention Initiative includes two core programs: the Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIP) and the Strong Messenger Project (SMP). Both programs apply public health principles to reduce violence through community-led interventions, community health workers known as credible messengers, and professionally trained cultural-attuned clinicians.

Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs

Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIP) aim to reduce the risk of readmissions or re-injury among violently injured patients. These programs work to mediate conflict, establish relationships with survivors, and link them to culturally affirming resources and services. To learn about how you can help address gun violence in your community, check out the following programs and their events in your community.

Strong Messenger Project

The Strong Messenger Project (SMP) addresses community violence by providing tailored therapeutic services to credible messengers. Credible messengers are community health workers whose lived experience informs their violence prevention work. This initiative recognizes that people who work in community violence prevention can experience trauma and stress from their work. It combines traditional and non-traditional therapeutic methods with culturally relevant practices to foster team cohesion, resiliency, and healing for credible messengers. The SMP deploys experienced and culturally attuned mental health professionals to provide group therapeutic support, individual counseling sessions, crisis interventions, and professional development trainings to the credible messenger workforce.

Academic Articles and Reports

• The Ripple Effect of Firearms: How Families, Communities, and Society in the U.S. Are Affected by Firearms (PDF), by the United Hospital Fund
• "Gun Violence Is a Public Health Crisis", by Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett
• "Structural Racism and Health Inequities in the USA: Evidence and Interventions”, by Zinzi D Bailey, ScD; Professor Nancy Krieger, PhD; Madina Agénor, ScD; Jasmine Graves, MPH; Natalia Linos, ScD; and Dr. Mary T. Bassett, MD

Additional Resources

• Community Violence Prevention Framework (PDF)
• Gun Violence Prevention Resources (PDF)
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• NYC Office to Prevent Gun Violence: Interventions
• NYC Administration for Children Services: Family Enrichment Centers
• NYC Department of Youth and Community Development: Family Support

More Information

• Environment and Health Data Portal: Why violence is a public health issue
• Domestic Violence: Resources for Health Care Providers