North Carolina launches groundbreaking violence prevention initiative

The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) in North Carolina, established in March 2023, is making strides in its mission to reduce violence and firearm misuse across the state. During a recent government meeting, Executive Director Sierra outlined the office's progress and future initiatives, emphasizing its unique position as the first state-level OVP in the southern United States.

Sierra highlighted the office's foundational goal: to equip communities with the necessary tools and resources to foster safety and well-being. The OVP aims to achieve this through a collaborative approach that bridges public safety and public health sectors, focusing on evidence-based strategies to combat community violence.

Currently, the OVP is concentrating its efforts on addressing community violence and its intersection with firearm violence. This focus stems from both the limited capacity of the office and a recognized need for state-level coordination in this area. The office serves as a resource for local entities, including city and county agencies, community organizations, and law enforcement, providing guidance and support for violence prevention initiatives.

Despite being a small team, Sierra noted that the OVP has made significant progress in building its infrastructure and responding to community needs. The office is currently operating without dedicated state funding but is exploring grant opportunities to expand its capacity. A recent federal grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance will enable the hiring of additional staff to enhance training and technical assistance efforts.

The establishment of a Community Violence Advisory Board has also been a key development, bringing together diverse stakeholders from local violence prevention ecosystems to inform the office's strategic planning and activities.

Looking ahead, the OVP plans to release its strategic plan in September and host a statewide community violence prevention convening on November 19-20. These initiatives aim to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing among those engaged in violence prevention efforts throughout North Carolina.