Reducing Trauma News Archive

Providing alternatives to incarceration, the Center's Midtown Community Court's new Misdemeanor Mental Health Court (MMHC) will support individuals suffering from mental illness. Low-level offenses, such as shoplifting and illegal drug use, will now have social services and community service options that are restorative to both the community and participants. The Court's Youth Part has also been expanded to include young adults ages 18 through 25, reducing the risk of recidivism by targeting the root causes for criminal justice involvement.

Center researchers explain how their experience and credibility influenced how they approached interviewing New York City youth for our study on gun violence, "Gotta Make Your Own Heaven." They share the importance of centering community voices through this anecdotal narrative of their experience.

In Slate, John Pfaff compares gun violence reduction strategies in both Philadelphia and New York City, citing our August 2020 report that looks at reducing this type of violence by addressing the root causes, often systemic, that negatively impact already marginalized communities. 

Marisol Rivera is a violence interrupter with our Save Our Streets. This anti-violence program works to stop violence and prevent shootings before they escalate. "You can't tell a young person to put a gun down and don't replace it with a job, with a trade, or something they are interested in," Rivera tells abc7 New York of our approach.

Save Our Streets received recognition from Bill de Blasio and his son for our efforts to keep the peace without requiring police intervention. “Too often you have been unsung heroes, today we are singing your praises,” said Mayor de Blasio as he presented the proclamation documents. “You are doing sacred work, and it is making a huge difference.”

Bronx News12 profiles the winter wonderland extravaganza that Save Our Streets recently held at its offices in Morrisania. Bronx Community Justice Center project director, Carmen J. Hernandez, is interviewed and explains the impact and history of the program as well as the plans to expand services throughout the borough. 

Mayor Bill de Blasio addressed gun violence numbers across the city and says while many areas are improving, the Bronx still faces challenges in the community. Bronx News12 profiled Save Our Streets and interviewed Marisol Rivera about how the team is working tirelessly to help stop gun violence in the borough.

Ghost guns have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in jurisdictions where gun control regulations make it difficult for ordinary residents to obtain guns legally. Giving insight into why some New Yorkers feel the need to own a gun, the article links to and summarizes our report 'Gotta Make Your Own Heaven': Guns, Safety, and the Edge of Adulthood in New York City, where more than 300 young people from New York City neighborhoods suffering from high gun violence were surveyed. The result? More than 80% said that they’d personally been shot at and reported having carried a gun at some point in time, and many felt they lacked any other protection.

Kiran Malpe believes her role as clinical director for the Strong Starts Court Initiative is about “being a voice for the voiceless, the babies and young parents who often get lost in the shuffle."