Cure Violence

Cure Violence is a public health anti-violence program founded in 2000 by epidemiologist Gary Slutkin. The program uses a health model to reduce violence in communities by detecting and interrupting conflicts, identifying and treating individuals at high risk, and mobilizing communities to change norms.

History

Gary Slutkin, an epidemiologist who had previously worked on controlling cholera, tuberculosis, and AIDS epidemics in Africa, founded Cure Violence in 2000. Slutkin's approach to violence prevention is based on the methods used to prevent the spread of disease. He views violence as a contagious disease that can be treated by interrupting its transmission.

Methodology

Cure Violence uses a three-pronged approach to reduce violence:

1. Detect and Interrupt Conflicts: Trained violence interrupters and outreach workers prevent shootings by mediating conflicts in the community and stopping retaliation.
2. Identify and Treat High-Risk Individuals: High-risk individuals are identified and provided with long-term support, including job training, education, and help navigating social services.
3. Mobilize the Community to Change Norms: The program works with communities to change the norms around the use of violence.

Effectiveness

Several studies have shown the effectiveness of the Cure Violence approach. A 2009 study by the University of Illinois at Chicago found that the program reduced shootings and killings by 41% to 73% in four of the seven Chicago neighborhoods where it was implemented. A 2012 study by Johns Hopkins University found that shootings and killings decreased by up to 56% in four Baltimore neighborhoods where the program was implemented.

Criticism

Despite its successes, Cure Violence has faced criticism. Some critics argue that the program does not address the root causes of violence, such as poverty and lack of education. Others question the program's reliance on former gang members as violence interrupters.

See also

• Public health
• Violence prevention
• Epidemiology