Fear of violence has created an anxious nation unable to enjoy the safety of its own homes, neighborhoods, schools, and work place. Clearly, violence has dramatically changed the American quality of life. It has affected child development, family bonding, educational services, business practices, health care, and the criminal justice system. The human and social cost of violence continues to destroy the core of our social infrastructure.
Research shows that no one professional group can effectively control or reduce violence.
What is effective are partnerships and collaborations between service providers, law enforcement, business, government, churches, and community groups. Working together as a determined force these groups can unite and strengthen individuals, family, neighborhoods, and communities to control violence. The IVR is dedicated to promoting the reduction of violence in the community. It attempts to systematically address the core forces of violence and brings key groups together to take action against these forces. Programmatically, the activities of the Institute are guided by a broad based Advisory Committee composed of faculty, government officials, business leaders, and community representatives.