A Critical Review of Hospital Based Violence Intervention Programs

This presentation examines violence prevention efforts at designated Level One trauma centers in metropolitan areas with high numbers of homicides. As violent injuries are predictors of future injuries, trauma centers in cities with high homicide rates serve as an excellent point of intervention as well as a learning opportunity. Analysis of such programs can illuminate best practices and results of intervention and inform and improve the work of other violence prevention initiatives.

Based on cities with the highest numbers of homicides in 2006, Level One trauma centers in those cities were contacted directly regarding whether or not they have an acute violence prevention program. Acute violence prevention programs are defined as any hospital social support program/intervention aimed at lowering homicide and penetrating injury rates by focusing on non-violence through direct contact with victims and families. A questionnaire was developed regarding structure and evaluation of the program and hospitals with violence prevention programs were surveyed. A literature review of previously published articles on such hospital programs was conducted.

Many Level One trauma hospitals across the country have created programs that address violence by intervening with those acutely injured by violence as a method to prevent further violence. Such programs have successfully addressed other social issues and fostered positive changes in the lives of individuals impacted by violence. Acute violence prevention programs within Level One trauma centers have been shown to positively impact the communities served by these hospitals.