By Bri Tollie
Special to the AFRO
In Pennsylvania, cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Allentown are grappling with a grim reality: gun violence is snuffing out lives at an alarming rate. Roughly 557 Pennsylvanians die in gun homicides each year. Of all homicides statewide, 76 percent involve a gun (slightly higher than the national average of 74 percent), highlighting the urgent need for action.
To effectively combat this epidemic, it’s crucial to prioritize community-based solutions. One promising avenue is violence intervention programs featuring trained violence interrupters (VI). These individuals bring invaluable firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. By leveraging their experiences, they are uniquely equipped to mediate conflicts and prevent violence before it escalates. Their expertise lies not only in understanding the complexities of violence but also in offering solutions from personal insight.
Picture them, deeply embedded in the community, traversing the streets and knocking on doors. Having experienced violent situations before, they’ve navigated the legal system or confronted the harsh realities firsthand. However, rather than letting their past dictate their future, they’ve opted for a path of redemption and healing.
When tensions flare, these interrupters step in. They listen, they empathize and they mediate. Though their work is not easy, it proves effective. By addressing the root causes of violence and fostering trust within the community, they steadily make their neighborhoods safer places to live. Through their dedication, they not only prevent conflicts from escalating but also rewrite the narrative of violence, paving the way for a more peaceful future.
In Scranton, proactive efforts are being taken to address community violence. They are fostering partnerships with both residents and leaders. Their focus on supporting non-profits that reach underserved youth create an environment safer and more supportive, reducing negative behaviors and outcomes. Clearly a comprehensive approach is essential. Relying solely on traditional law enforcement methods falls short in rooting out the causes of violence. To truly address this issue, community-based interventions that foster trust, mediation, and rehabilitation over punitive measures must be prioritized.
Nearby in Allentown is the Promise Neighborhoods program, a violence interruption organization dedicated to violence prevention and health equity programs for children and families. Executive Director Dr. Hasshan Batts is a distinguished Fulbright scholar. He is also formerly incarcerated. As a grassroots organization, Promise Neighborhoods prioritizes community healing by employing violence interrupters and clinicians. Their approach intertwines research, policy and community engagement, to prioritize gun violence prevention in the Lehigh Valley.
Recognizing safety as a paramount concern and knowing gun violence ranks as the leading cause of death for children, they are actively designing programs to address the issue. For example, in response to a nightclub shooting that left 10 people injured, Promise Neighborhoods sprang into action, personally visiting each victim to provide support. Amidst tensions stemming from gang rivalries, they hosted a basketball tournament to promote dialogue and provide an alternative to violence. Remarkably, a former high-ranking gang member, now a city employee, champions youth engagement and peace-building efforts.
Working with the governor’s administration, Promise Neighborhood’s innovative approach to violence prevention includes workforce grants, neighborhood beautification, and public health campaigns. With over a million dollars secured in grants, their impact is tangible, emphasizing capacity building and grassroots partnerships.
Clearly, the pressing demand for expanded VI funding is undeniable. So it’s crucial cities have the necessary funding to prioritize community-based initiatives. Congress’s recent fiscal year funding of $50 million for VI falls short in meeting this need. These programs are indispensable at reducing violence and improving community safety but are not receiving the funding required to address the needs of communities suffering from gun violence.
In the latest presidential budget proposal, there is a $1.5 billion provision for mandatory VI funding. This proposed increase is not only significant but vital to addressing community violence. Congress must recognize the importance of this increase and prioritize additional funding.
It’s essential not just for Pennsylvania but for the safety of all Americans as we move forward, today and tomorrow.
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