Since 2018, Doctors of the World USA has worked in the field of gun violence prevention
We support the field of urban violence prevention by developing programming, resources and training opportunities with community partners
By using a public health led social justice approach, DotW works with partners to identify effective methods, interventions and approaches to reduce violence in American communities.
Doctors of the World identifies unmet needs within the field of urban violence prevention, including areas where we can be most effective addressing gaps in service delivery.
Our program goals are:
- To advocate for the creation of systems which reduce violence in communities
- To support and strengthen programming, policy and advocacy efforts that will lead to a reduction of violence in priority communities
- To ensure that all program development is conducted through a trauma informed lens.
40,000
Gun violence deaths in the US in 2017
60%
Of gun deaths caused by suicide
30%
Of gun deaths caused by homicide
Doctors of the World USA has partnered with the NYC Health + Hospitals Jacobi Medical Center’s Stand Up to Violence Program (SUV). The SUV Program is a hospital-based violence prevention initiative located in the Bronx, NY that works to improve outcomes in patients admitted for violent trauma and to prevent community violence through an intervention that employs community outreach workers both within the hospital setting, as well as out in the community to prevent future violence.
DotW provides support to the Jacobi SUV program that will increase the capacity of their in-hospital program to reach more patients that present with a violent injury in their adult or pediatric emergency room.
We also work to build relationships with other violence prevention organizations in the United States
Currently we are building relationships locally with hospital based violence intervention sites and Cure Violence community based organizations within New York City, as well as local health entities.
These partnerships will allow DotW to expand upon the programming that we are offering, as well as to reach our goals of partnering with existing violence prevention programming, developing training and capacity building opportunities, as well as creating opportunities for convening of organizations and programs in the field.
For readers interested in partnering with Doctors of the World USA or learning more about our domestic work to prevent urban violence, you can get in contact via email with our Program Director at [email protected]
What We’re Reading
We Can’t End Inequality Until We Stop Urban Gun Violence
The Trace, July 12th 2019
Here’s a blueprint for cities ready to get started.
How To Dramatically Reduce Gun Violence In American Cities
Vox, July 12th 2019
America’s urban gun violence problem can feel intractable. But Thomas Abt’s new book, Bleeding Out, offers a solution.
The Gun Violence That’s a Bigger Threat to Kids Than School Shootings
The Atlantic, February 19th 2019
Mass killings on school grounds account for a very small percent of victims, but they capture far more public attention than other shootings.
“I Remember The First Time I Saw A Teenager Die”
The New York Times, February 14th 2019
Scenes from the trauma bay haunt those of us who work to save the victims of gun violence.
Publications
Amnesty International Report: Gun Violence And Barriers To Reparation In The USA
Violence Intervention Programs: A Primer For Developing A Comprehensive Program For Trauma Centers
Keys To Collaboration Between Hospital-Based Violence Intervention And Cure Violence Programs
Healing Communities In Crisis: Lifesaving Solutions To The Urban Gun Violence Epidemic