According to the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, firearm violence is a public health crisis in America, disproportionately impacting Black communities. Key findings include:
Leading Cause of Death: Since 2020, firearm-related injury has been the leading cause of death for U.S. children and adolescents (ages 1–19).
High Firearm-Related Death Rates: In 2022, 48,204 people died from firearm-related injuries.
Disproportionate Impacts: Black individuals have the highest age-adjusted firearm homicide rates, and Black children and adolescents account for about half of all firearm-related deaths among U.S. children and adolescents.
Community Exposure: Exposure to firearm violence elevates stress levels and mental health challenges within entire communities.
Community violence interventions (CVI) are essential public health solutions, especially in Black communities where firearm homicide rates are disproportionately high. CVI strategies disrupt cycles of violence and connect individuals at risk with services addressing trauma and improving social and economic circumstances.
We are credible messengers, with tailored strategies based on our connection to our communities. We will continue to advocate for community-led solutions and address the systems perpetuating this crisis. This work is part of a public health approach, and it’s time everyone takes action. Ask yourself, from your position, what can you do to join us in ending gun violence so we all can live free?
Thank you to Pastor Mike McBride, Executive Director of Live Free, Thomas Bowen, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement, and @theactionjackson, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, for your leadership. We look forward to continued inclusion and action until we all can be safe and live free.
Faith leaders, join us by taking action and joining our network: https://livefreeusa.org/byfaith/
Read the U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Firearm Violence by visiting: https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/firearm-violence/index.html
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Community Violence Intervention (CVI) is an approach used to prevent and reduce violence in communities, particularly in areas with high rates of violent crime. CVI programs typically involve a variety of strategies and are often led by community members themselves, including those who have been directly impacted by violence. Here are some key aspects of Community Violence Intervention:
- Focused Deterrence: This strategy targets specific individuals who are most likely to be involved in violence, offering them alternatives and support to change their behavior, while also clearly communicating the consequences of continuing violent activities.
- Street Outreach and Mediation: Trained outreach workers and mediators, often individuals from the community who have personal experiences with violence, engage with those at risk of perpetrating or becoming victims of violence. They work to mediate conflicts before they escalate and connect individuals with services like job training, education, and counseling.
- Support Services: CVI programs often provide or connect individuals with critical support services, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and job placement services, addressing some of the underlying issues that contribute to violence.
- Community Mobilization: These programs encourage the broader community to get involved in violence prevention through public education campaigns, community meetings, and partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
- Changing Social Norms: Efforts are made to change community norms around violence, promoting non-violent behaviors and creating environments where violence is less likely to occur.
CVI aims to not only stop immediate incidents of violence but also to address the root causes and create long-term change, making communities safer for all residents.
