Addressing Trauma and Violence


Over the past decade in America, over 300,000 people have been killed as a result


and other crimes involving a gun.


Growing up in the midst of community violence can impact youths’ social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive development. It can disrupt their baseline of safety, making it more difficult for entire families and communities to sustain a sense of stability. For those who live in or near places where violence is very common, the daily risks can take a toll on physical and emotional health. And the lingering psychological impacts left on children, with ongoing exposure to violence and trauma, are immeasurable.


Violence holds victims, families, friends and entire neighborhoods hostage, causing paralyzing fear and trauma that is ongoing. Community violence is everyone’s business because not a single person in a community is left unaffected by the deleterious effects that violence leaves behind.


It’s time to come together to take action to prevent violence and improve our communities.


Best Practices for Violence Prevention and Trauma Intervention

Community violence can be reduced and prevented.  We can all take action to improve the lives of those who have survived violence. There are many factors that contribute to violence, ranging from individual, relationship, community, and societal.


Solutions must address these factors… 

Contributing factors to violence
UYTC Preventing Youth Violence

Learn and apply the Five Best Practices for Violence Prevention and Trauma Intervention,

including what they are, why they are important, and examples for how to use each strategy.

Everybody plays a role. What can you do?

Click on each one to learn more.


Know the signs…Be supportive

1. Identifying, helping and supporting victims of community violence

A Sense of Trust

2. Support safe, stable and nurturing relationships between children, caregivers and caring adults

A Sense of Mastery

3. Develop life skills in children and adolescents

Feeling Safe

4. Promote a safe environment in the community

Sending the Right Message

5. Change rules and expectations in society (cultural norms) that support violence

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