Violence: A Health Issue

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Violence: A Health Issue
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Violence: A Health Issue

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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’s Violence Prevention Initiative (PDF) 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.

As part of the initiative, the Health Department has partnered with several hospital-based violence intervention programs that have shown they can lower risks of reinjury and incarceration among high-risk youth and adults affected by gun violence.

When a person is hospitalized due to gun violence, these programs offer a team of providers, social workers, mental health professionals and community health workers. Their services include conflict mediation and helping patients find the right health care, including mental health support.

Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs

To learn about how you can help address gun violence in your community, check out the following programs and their events in your community.

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Bronx

Lincoln Hospital: Guns Down, Life Up; Save Our Streets Bronx

Jacobi Medical Center: Stand Up to Violence

St. Barnabas Hospital: Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence

Brooklyn

Kings County Hospital Center: Kings Against Violence Initiative; Man Up!

Woodhull Medical Center: Los Sures

Brookdale Hospital: Elite Learners Inc.

Manhattan

Harlem Hospital: Street Corner Resources; Stand Against Violence East Harlem (SAVE)

Queens

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center: Life Camp, Inc.; King of Kings Foundation; Rock Safe Streets

Staten Island

Richmond University Medical Center: True to Life

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)

988

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