Louisville Metro KY - ARP 0035 Coordinated Crisis Response to Gun Violence

The Victim Services Initiative is a multidisciplinary partnership to serve individuals and families impacted by shootings and homicides. The Office of Violence Prevention will build on existing victim-centered response strategies by creating a comprehensive delivery system that expands existing partnerships while building new capacities. There are two components:

The creation of a Victim Support Peer Navigator project to provide support, resources and guidance to individuals and families directly victimized by gun violence. Peer Navigators, who are individuals with lived experiences related to gun violence, will offer empathetic, culturally sensitive, and practical assistance to help victims and their families navigate the challenges that arise in the aftermath of such traumatic events; and

The creation of a Community Sanctuary Project (CSP) – a faith-led, community partnership that engages community residents within 48 hours of exposure to gun violence, providing emotional and spiritual support, while educating and connecting residents to trauma support services in the community.

Gun violence in Louisville tends to concentrate in marginalized communities comprised primarily of African American residents, many of whom live at or below the poverty line. This project will serve those communities disproportionately affected/impacted by gun violence. The project seeks to enhance victim services provided to Louisville residents impacted by shootings and homicides. The ultimate outcome is to develop a comprehensive delivery system that meets the needs of all residents in Louisville.