Violence Intervention Advocacy Program

Treatments and Services

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

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

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