Violence: A Health Issue
Violence of all forms affects our city, devastating families and communities. Research increasingly shows that this is a health issue in need of a health approach in response. Such an approach focuses on preventing events, providing treatment for people at the most risk and changing social expectations. Reducing violence means safer and healthier communities.
Cure Violence
Since 2012, the NYC Health Department has been providing program oversight and support to anti-violence programs in the city. The Cure Violence model is an evidence-based public health approach that seeks to stop the spread of violence by using the following methods and strategies associated with disease control:
- Detecting and interrupting conflicts
- Identifying and treating the highest risk individuals
- Changing social norms
Cure Violence in NYC is part of the City's Anti-Gun Violence Crisis Management System, which is an initiative to reduce gun violence in 17 city precincts.
If you are interested in learning more about the Cure Violence program in your neighborhood, call or visit one of the sites listed under your borough below.
Brooklyn Sites
Brownsville In Violence Out works with young people in Brownsville who have been involved with — or are at risk of becoming involved with — gun violence and gangs. The program offers a variety of services, including:
- Job training programs and access to employment
- Legal and therapeutic services
- Conflict mediation
- Driver’s education
- Health awareness
- Public safety seminars
Address: 1667 Pitkin Avenue
Phone: (718) 226-0433
Save Our Streets (S.O.S) Bed-Stuy
S.O.S. Bed-Stuy prevents violence from occurring in Bedford-Stuyvesant by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence. The program also provides peer counselors for people who are at risk of either committing or becoming a victim of violence.
Address: 423 Gates Avenue
Phone: (718) 773-6886
Save Our Streets (S.O.S) Crown Heights
S.O.S. Crown Heights prevents violence from occurring in Crown Heights by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence. The program also provides peer counselors for people who are at risk of either committing or becoming a victim of violence.
Address: 256 Kingston Avenue
Phone: (718) 773-6886
Operation HOOD (Helping Our Own Develop)
Operation HOOD prevents violence from occurring in Coney Island by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence and other violence. The program targets high risk youth, identifying and mediating conflicts. It also provides mentors who can offer guidance on life choices, health care and educational and employment opportunities.
Address: 1618 Mermaid Avenue
Phone: (718) 449-5000 x2288
Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes (GMACC)
GMACC prevents violence from occurring in Brownsville by changing the lives of those involved in drugs, guns, violence or prison. G-MACC provides resources to people of all ages, in and out of the prison system.
Address: 5712 Church Avenue
Phone: (718) 498-1000
Man Up! Alpha and Omega prevents violence from occurring in East New York by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence. The program also provides peer counselors for people who are at risk of either committing or becoming a victim of violence.
Address: 821 Van Siclen Avenue
Phone: (718) 498-2320
Bronx Sites
Bronx Rises Against Gun (B.R.A.G.) Violence North and West
The B.R.A.G. Violence North and West programs work in Eastchester and West Bronx, respectively, to promote safer streets and new community norms that do not accept violence.
B.R.A.G North Address: 4011 Bronxwood Avenue, Store A
B.R.A.G West Address: 1995 Jerome Avenue
Phone: (718) 716-1150
Save Our Streets (S.O.S) Morrisania and South Bronx
S.O.S. Morrisania and S.O.S South Bronx prevent gun violence from occurring in Morrisania and South Bronx, respectively, by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence. These programs also offer peer counselors for people who are at risk of committing or becoming a victim of violence.
Address: 601 East 163rd Street
Phone: (646) 448-9131
Release the Grip (BronxConnect Cure Violence)
Release the Grip prevents violence from occurring in the Bronx by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence. The program also offers peer counselors for people who are at risk of committing or becoming a victim of violence.
Address: 1131 Findlay Avenue
Phone: (718) 402-6872
Manhattan Sites
Speak Peace Forward (Street Corner Resources)
Speak Peace Forward (Street Corner Resources) prevents violence from occurring in Harlem by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence. The program also helps teenagers and young adults access real employment, education, training and other resources.
Address: 151 West 145th Street
Phone: (212) 694-8759
Getting Out, Staying Out’s Stand Against Violence East Harlem (SAVE)
SAVE prevents violence from occurring in East Harlem by empowering “violence interrupters”, who are credible messengers. These interrupters can help deter violent acts before they become reality and inspire youth to take pride and ownership in their future.
Address: 75 East 116th Street
Phone: (212) 831-5020
Queens Sites
696 Build Queensbridge prevents violence from occurring in Long Island City by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence. The program also offers peer counselors for people who are at risk of committing or becoming a victim of violence.
Address: 10-31 41st Avenue, Long Island City
Phone: (718) 784-7447
Life Camp prevents violence from occurring in Jamaica by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence. The program also offers peer counselors for people who are at risk of committing or becoming a victim of violence.
Address: 111-12 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica
Phone: (718) 848-3900
Rock Safe Streets prevents violence from occurring in Far Rockaway and Arverne by mediating conflicts that may end in gun violence. The program also offers peer counselors for people who are at risk of committing or becoming a victim of violence.
Address: 43-15 Beach Channel Drive, Far Rockaway
Phone: (646) 394-9551
Staten Island Sites
True 2 Life
True 2 Life prevents violence from occurring in Staten Island with a public health approach that simultaneously treats the symptoms and causes of gun violence.
Address: 59 Wright Street
Phone: (718) 273-8411
Related Articles
- "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