Indiana study proposes solutions to reduce community violence

Community violence affects the health and well-being of individuals and neighborhoods. This complex issue has proven difficult to solve. Researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine aim to tackle it through innovation forums that gather input from local communities, healthcare systems, and government officials. In a recent study, ten innovation forums produced 162 potential solutions to reduce community violence. The study was published in the journal Discover Public Health. Key themes included restricting access to guns, modifying school expulsion policies, promoting responsible alcohol use, and increasing support in health centers and job training programs. A significant takeaway from the forums was the need to change the narrative around community violence. Ideas included media campaigns to destigmatize victims and educating the public about the link between mental illness and violence. The model for these innovation forums was designed to engage those most affected by violence. This approach might also be applicable to other issues facing communities. Dr. Malaz Boustani, a senior author of the study, emphasized that understanding local perspectives is essential for generating effective solutions. The project, dubbed the "Big Idea," highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared efforts in combating community violence. While many suggested solutions were not new, they reflected the desires of those directly impacted by violence. Dr. Damaris Ortiz, the study's first author, noted that effective support for violence survivors involves not just medical care but also connecting them to resources that promote recovery. The researchers plan to share insights gained from the forums to help further combat community violence.