Violence Intervention Program Model and Structure
The VIP model begins in the hospital and thrives in the community. Once victims of violent traumatic injury volunteer to participate in the program, they are paired with a case manager or outreach worker to assist them with individualized action plans formulated to reduce risk factors correlated to violent recidivism. Strong partnerships with community providers are maintained to ensure successful referrals.
In addition, multi-disciplinary relationships are also put in place to address mandated goals, such as parole/probation or court ordered requirements (i.e., for perpetrators of violent crimes who are also victims of violence). VIP participants have peer support groups to practice new skill sets and to celebrate personal accomplishments.
Priorities of the VIP model include:
- Personal and Public Safety Issues: Retaliation, domestic violence, risk taking behavior, etc.
- Attribution of Meaning to Events and Recovery: Medical, mental, social adjustment, etc.
- Reinforcement and Development of Positive Skills and Supports: Healthy coping skills, etc.
- Connection to Community-Based Services: Needed referrals for personal growth, etc.
Given that participant success is gradual, setbacks may occur, and outcomes are measured over time, services are not time limited. The degree to which VIP staff remains involved with participants is dependent upon the level of engagement, the complexity of presenting problems, and the involvement of supportive systems.
The four basic phases of change and growth for VIP participants include:
- Stabilization: "Handling daily crises"
- Recovery & Rehabilitation: Substance abuse, criminal justice, etc.
- Community Reintegration: Education, employment, housing, medical, etc.
- Self-Reliance & Self-Referral: Personal goals
Contact Us
For additional information please email prevention@umm.edu or call 410-328-2035.