Violence Interrupters

What is a violence Interrupter?

A violence interrupter, also known as a "credible messenger," is a community-based program worker who is trained to de-escalate conflicts, mediate disputes, and prevent violence, often by leveraging their personal connections and understanding of local gang dynamics. 

Triple C’s Effective Plan: To be present in hard hit communities

Community Connection:

Violence interrupters are often drawn from the communities they serve, giving them credibility and understanding of local dynamics. 

• Role:

  They work to prevent violence before it happens by intervening in potential conflicts, mediating disputes, and building relationships with individuals at high risk of being involved in violence. 

• Skills:

  They are trained in conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and understanding gang dynamics. 

• Methods:

  They use their personal relationships to talk individuals and groups out of planned violent events, bring key individuals together to cool down conflicts, and foster diplomacy between groups. 

• Examples:

  Violence interrupter programs often involve outreach workers, conflict mediation, and the development of relationships with residents at high risk of being involved in gun violence.