DepartmentTreatments and Services Close [Back to Overview](/departments/emergency-medicine/violence-intervention-advocacy-program)## Explore department Contact Us ## Contact Us: Contact Us Close Dialog ## Violence Intervention Advocacy Program # Treatments and Services Explore Violence Intervention Advocacy Program VIAP provides crisis intervention, mental health services, ongoing case management on an array of basic needs and individual goals, family support services, and more. Every individual and situation is different, so VIAP doesn't limit the amount of time you and your family can get services. If you decide to not work with VIAP when you're first admitted to BMC, you can also choose to reach out to us later and get services. Even if you were injured years ago, you may still come back and receive services. ## Services We Offer ### Crisis Intervention, Support, and Advocacy VIAP's Trauma Response Team is typically our first point of contact with victims and family members. The trauma response team remains on call 24/7 and reports to the Emergency Department (ED) for any violent penetrating injury. The team works to provide emotional first aid in the ED, with the main priorities being crisis intervention, safety planning, and providing essential resources and information. Next, you and all your known family members are assigned a violence intervention advocate, a family support advocate, and a mental health clinician through BMC Community Violence Response Team (CVRT). ### Violence Intervention Advocates Following crisis intervention and support, you're assigned a VIAP advocate and a CVRT mental health provider who work together closes to provide care. You'll have regular contact and help from your violence intervention advocates. Services include: - Being a resource and advocate during your time in the hospital and beyond - Providing emotional support as you recover physically and mentally from your injury and trauma - Working to address needs, including getting essential goods, transportation assistance, housing support, legal support, employment, education, and connecting to additional community support and resources [Victim Advocate Brochure](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/Programs___Services/Programs_for_Adults/Violence_Intervention_Advocacy_Program/VIAP-Brochure-2017.pdf) ### Family Support Services The impact of violence reaches beyond the person directly injured. Families also need and deserve support and so your family members will be assigned a family support advocate. Family support advocates provide services and support at every step of one's journey through the impact of violence on loved ones. Advocates help family members better support you in recovery, but also ensure they are caring for themselves, tending to their own needs, and have their own opportunity to heal and receive distinctive services. Services include: - Helping the family advocate for themselves with the hospital and ensuring they get all the information they need - Providing a safe space filled with compassion to allow families to process their emotions and grief - Working to address a range of needs, including access to basic necessities, housing support, legal support, and personal wellness - Connecting families to community organizations/services to further help with needs and support - Homicide support, including end-of-life services and referrals to supportive organizations [VIAP Family Brochure](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/Programs___Services/Programs_for_Adults/Violence_Intervention_Advocacy_Program/VIAP-Family-Support-Brochure-%202017.pdf) ### Case Management & Community Resources Ongoing case management includes assistance with: - Medical insurance - Primary care physicians - Financial assistance (food stamps, victim's compensation, and SSDI) - Housing applications - Legal support - Education and job training programs - Life skills training (financial literacy and effective communication) - Recreational and wellness programs ### Home Visiting Nurse After you leave the hospital, a registered nurse is available to visit your home once a week. They can help give you follow-up care and make it less likely you'll need to go back to the hospital. Services include: - Redressing wounds and providing extra medical supplies - Offering medical evaluation and education on wound care - Support in navigating follow-up appointments