Expanding Violence Reduction Programs in South Atlanta

The US—and Georgia—has seen a marked increase in gun violence over the past few years. Cure Violence offers a solution to decrease violent crime and heal communities affected by violence in Atlanta. According to the CDC, gun violence is the leading cause of death for young Black males ages 15-24. In 2021, victims and suspects of homicides in Atlanta were largely Black, male, and in the 18-34 age range. 84% of victims and 88% of suspects in homicides were male. Over 85% of known victims and suspects in homicides were Black, while Black citizens comprise 49.8% of the Atlanta population. 

The largely Black neighborhoods in Atlanta Police Department (APD) Zone 3 experience a disproportionate burden of violence, dramatically affecting civic participation, community development and residents. In 2022, Zone 3 accounted for 24% of Atlanta’s homicides and 22% of aggravated assaults. 

Cure Violence International estimates that “violence costs the United States $153-$173 billion dollars/year. Investing in effective violence prevention not only saves lives, it also saves money and CHRIS180’s Cure Violence program has demonstrated success in part of APD Zone 3 serving as a meaningful intervention in neighborhoods impacted by gun violence. 

Using the Cure Violence model, the CHRIS180 Community Initiatives team will canvas gang areas, apartment complexes, and shopping centers daily to determine potential hot spots for violence. The team will meet daily to review crime data and information acquired through canvassing and community contacts to determine a plan to address the confirmed hot spots through meditations between individuals and/or groups of concern, including those at highest risk of retaliation who are often friends and family members of victims, to change their thinking and establish resolutions to conflict. As individuals are identified, staff will assess potential participants for violence interruption, work with participants to develop an Individual Service Plan (ISP), and link participants to critical wraparound services such as employment, education, and counseling. 

The Zone 3 Cure Violence program will incorporate our Trauma Response Network which actively trains resident volunteers to collaborate, coordinate, and communicate support for the community and individuals following tragedy and acts of violence. To help communities heal, our program incorporates Healing Circles a critical intervention to support community members after tragedy.