When someone experiences a violent injury, the impact often extends far beyond the physical wounds. Individuals who are violently injured—particularly those impacted by community violence—may experience emotional and psychological trauma, disruptions to their sense of safety, and challenges related to returning home, school, work, and community life. They are not only patients recovering from an injury; they are trauma survivors who may need additional support throughout their recovery.

UVA Health’s Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) was developed to provide that additional layer of support. Through bedside engagement, emotional support, peer mentorship, care coordination, and connection to community resources, the program works alongside patients as they navigate recovery and addresses factors that may place them at risk for future violence or reinjury. The program continues to support participants after discharge, recognizing that recovery from violent trauma does not end when a patient leaves the hospital.

The HVIP works alongside the Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) to further support patients as they navigate recovery following traumatic injury. TSN provides trauma survivors and their loved ones with education, resources, peer support, and opportunities to connect with others who have experienced traumatic injury. Together, HVIP and TSN help extend support beyond the immediate medical treatment of an injury and recognize the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, and social impact of trauma.

The following article from Cville Right Now highlights UVA Health’s hospital-based violence intervention program and the broader community effort to support survivors of violence and prevent future injury

Gun Violence Summit showcases new hospital-based prevention program – Cville Right Now