The Office to Prevent Gun Violence (OPGV) serves as a coordinating agency, linking City initiatives, community-based non-profit organizations, and everyday New Yorkers to partner in creating healthy, vibrant communities and addressing the causes and traumas of gun violence throughout New York City. The way OPGV operates is unique in city government. Redefining community engagement as a true partnership with the people and organizations most affected by gun violence remains at the center of OPGV’s approach.
The OPGV’s mission is to transform government’s approach to justice by supporting vibrant communities where residents are empowered to co-create public safety. OPGV accomplishes this utilizing a multitude of different strategies some of which include the following.
The most expansive strategy is an initiative launched in 2014 through a joint investment from NYC Council and the Administration known as the NYC Crisis Management System (CMS). The CMS is a series of violence intervention and support systems that are simultaneously operating across 22 communities across the 5 boroughs in neighborhoods most impacted by gun violence. The CMS consists of over 50 community-based organizations providing various different services to support those at highest risk. The system is anchored by violence interruption and prevention services that are based around the Cure Violence model. Additionally, supportive services are provided, which include job training/readiness programming, conflict mediation in school settings, mental health services, employment opportunities, legal aid services, hospital response outreach, workshops and post discharge programming in secured detention facilities, and linkages to institutions of higher education.
OPGV currently focuses its programs and initiatives in the following communities:
For more information visit www.nyc.gov/peacenyc
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