A recent study conducted by Boston University reveals that a hospital-based program significantly reduces the chances of reinjury and violence among victims of gun and knife attacks. The research focuses on the Violence Intervention Advocacy Program (VIAP), established at the Boston Medical Center (BMC). According to lead researcher Jonathan Jay, an associate professor at the BU School of Public Health, these findings could encourage similar initiatives across the United States, aiming to decrease gun violence.
The study highlights the effectiveness of VIAP in providing comprehensive post-discharge support to survivors of violent injuries. These services include mental health assistance, family support, and help with practical needs such as housing, food, and employment. The research indicates that consistent engagement with VIAP can reduce the likelihood of being revictimized or committing violence by up to 50 percent within two to three years following discharge.
Proven Impact of Comprehensive Support
BMC, which serves as BU’s primary teaching hospital, is among over 60 hospitals in the United States that have adopted a hospital-based violence intervention program. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed the cases of over 1,300 survivors aged 16 to 34 who were at high risk for future violence. Notably, nearly half of these individuals engaged with VIAP within the first month of their discharge.
The researchers found that short-term engagement did not significantly reduce the risk of future violence. However, the approximately 10 percent of survivors who consistently utilized VIAP services during the initial two months after discharge experienced a dramatic reduction in their likelihood of becoming involved in violence.
“There’s an old saying that hurt people hurt people, and that really applies to the work we do,” says Lavon Anderson, VIAP’s housing coordinator. “VIAP helps prevent future violence by helping people heal from trauma and stabilize their lives.” This holistic approach enables participants to work towards goals that may have once seemed unattainable, fostering hope and support that can break the cycle of violence.
Addressing Underlying Issues
Upon admission to the hospital with a violent penetrating injury, patients are connected with VIAP advocates who conduct needs assessments and build relationships. These advocates address various issues, including safety planning, mental health support, and housing insecurity, which can hinder recovery and increase the risk of future violence. Many advocates have firsthand experience in the communities they serve, enhancing their ability to connect with patients.
The mental health services are coordinated with BMC’s Community Violence Response Team, further integrating support for the victims. While VIAP is particularly beneficial for those who actively participate, Jay notes that some patients may only require a few visits to get back on track after experiencing violence.
Unlike other intervention programs, which may offer financial incentives for participation, Anderson believes that true success lies in the motivation of the participants: “We see a higher success rate with participants who engage because they’re genuinely ready for change.”
Data from Jay’s broader research indicates that when individuals choose non-violence, the effects ripple through their families and communities. “Seeing both the scale of that impact and how engagement influences the likelihood of someone returning to harmful behavior was eye-opening,” says Anderson. This understanding drives the program’s approach, balancing encouragement with respect for individuals’ readiness to change.
The VIAP model is distinguished by its comprehensive services, supported by a team of 13 staff members. While the study focused on young adults, VIAP is adaptable, offering support to victims outside of the highest-risk groups and allowing participants to determine their level of engagement in the program.
Jay’s previous research has explored the connections between urban environments and health risks, as well as strategies for reducing racial disparities in youth firearm injuries. The implications of the VIAP study are significant, particularly as discussions around gun safety laws face challenges in many states. In 2023, the United States recorded nearly 47,000 gun-related deaths, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions.
“Many other hospitals could use these results to advocate for funding and administrative support,” Jay adds. Anderson shares this optimism, hoping that Jay’s findings will lead to an expansion of VIAP’s services. “We already share our approach with programs nationwide, and I believe his research can help fine-tune what we do,” she says.
The Violence Intervention Advocacy Program study received funding from a Fund for a Safer Future grant and included collaboration from experts at Boston University’s School of Public Health, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
