Only in America: The Front Lines of the Gun Violence Crisis

In America, gunshots rattle communities every 11 minutes. Amid this cycle of tragedy, community violence intervention (CVI) programs are addressing the root causes of violence to end cycles before they can start.

Through collaboration with residents and government officials, CVI programs curb the spread of gun violence by meeting community members where they are and responding to their individual needs. In violence-affected neighborhoods, residents are grappling with trauma and long-standing hardships that fuel the rise in shootings. But CVI programs channel resources back into the community, improving access to needed resources such as education, employment, housing, and health care.

In a nation haunted by the daily occurrence of gun violence, CVI programs provide a path forward—toward healing, unity, and a safer future for everyone.

This series highlights resources on CVI programs and stories from the voices of change on the front lines of America’s gun violence epidemic. These narratives are a reminder of the challenges and successes that outline the effort to save more lives.

Photo shows a young man lighting a candle in the late evening
Mourners light candles at a memorial outside Tops market in Buffalo, New York, following a mass shooting, May 2022. (Getty/Scott Olson)

Tell Congress: Gun Violence Has No Place in Our Community

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act (H.R 5003/S. 2638) invests in programs that are proven to reduce gun violence and stop crime before it happens.

In this series

Community-Based Strategies To Reduce Gun Violence in Schools
Photo shows an empty basketball court facing a one-story white school, with a chainlink fence between the camera lens and the basketball court
Article

Community-Based Strategies To Reduce Gun Violence in Schools

In addition to efforts from state and federal lawmakers, schools and communities have a critical role to play in addressing school gun violence through prevention and intervention approaches.

Allie Pearce, Akilah Alleyne

Hospital-Based Intervention Programs Reduce Violence and Save Money
A man and woman are pictured in a room at the Violence Advocacy Program offices at Boston Medical Center in Boston.
Article

Hospital-Based Intervention Programs Reduce Violence and Save Money

Hospital-based community violence intervention programs combat cycles of violent crime and retaliation by engaging patients in the recovery process immediately following injury.

Karenna Warden

Community-Based Violence Interruption Programs Can Reduce Gun Violence
Photo shows a group of five people hugging.
Article

Community-Based Violence Interruption Programs Can Reduce Gun Violence

Violence interruption is a community-based intervention strategy that can reduce gun violence and improve public safety in neighborhoods around the country.

Jahdziah St. Julien

Religious Organizations Are Integral to the Fight Against Gun Violence
Chaplain speaks after Harlem peace walk.
Report

Religious Organizations Are Integral to the Fight Against Gun Violence

Religious organizations and people of faith across the country are working to heal their communities and prevent gun violence through support for broader reforms.

Maggie Siddiqi, Benjamin Fleisher

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