Violence Interrupters

By Jamie Cetrone | Categories: | Comments Off on Violence Interrupters

In November 2016, the Northern Ohio Trauma System (NOTS) launched the “Violence Interrupters” program at MetroHealth Medical Center with a goal of curbing violence. This collaboration with the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance and United Way places a person, the “violence interrupter,” in the hospital emergency department to work with patients who are victims of violence. The initial goal is to defuse reactions to conflicts and prevent retaliation. Victims, their friends, and their families are then advised about community resources providing alternatives to continued violence.

Violence interrupters are former gang members or reformed criminals trained to be mediators in their community. Mediators work from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., Monday through Thursday, when admissions are highest for violent injuries. They guide and counsel victims (ages 15 to 25) and their families. Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance and United Way provided pilot funding.

Social workers within the hospital are key to the program, and externally, the Victims of Crime staff help coordinate additional support in the community for patients and families.

In January 2018, a research project will be launched to evaluate who is being reached, the level of engagement, and if attitudes and behaviors are changing.

As of the end of 2017, MetroHealth has worked with 90 patients, their families, and friends. The view is that immediate intervention is the reason none of these patients has been seen at MetroHealth Medical Center as a repeat gunshot wound victim.