ALL ABOUT CURE VIOLENCE

Cure Violence uses an “epidemic control technique” to tackle the spread of violence, primarily gun violence, through neighbourhoods, says Charlie Ransford, senior director of science and policy.

They hire workers from within the specific communities, some may be former gang members, others grew up in the community, who have “credibility.” They’re trained on mediation techniques, how to de-escalate a violent situation, and how to reduce their own risk. They do not report to police, but Ransford said the programs work best when they have co-operation from local police or hospitals to call them in to de-escalate situations. The workers generally fall within three job categories: 1) The violence interrupter — whose job is to be out in the community every day talking with people to detect ongoing conflicts, and mediate. This includes talking people into walking away and also giving them a way out that does not involve violence.

2) The hospital responder — whose job is to respond to a hospital after a shooting or stabbing. They try to speak with the victim as soon as possible and speak with friends or family in the waiting room to “talk down” retaliation.

3) The outreach workers — whose job involves identifying the people most likely to be violent, the actual shooters, and take them on as clients to meet and work with. This work looks different for each client and can include everything from addressing addiction, to violence at home to trying to find a job.

Depending on the size of a neighbourhood, each program looks a little different. Cure Violence typically helps with hiring and training.

At minimum, it involves about seven or eight staff, covering a population of about 40,000 to 140,000. Ransford said they like to see funding in place for at least three years before moving ahead. This usually means at minimum $350,000 to $500,000 annually.