UNITY Reports from the Field

  • May 3, 2013

    Why Segregation Is Bad for Everyone

    Residential segregation concentrates poverty and social problems in particular neighborhoods, which increases the likelihood of violence. A recent study suggests that high residential segregation can undermine the prosperity of the entire region; property value and income increase more slowly in segregated places. Read the article.

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  • April 28, 2013

    Viewing Youth Violence from a Public Health Perspective

    Experiencing or witnessing violence affects mental health, and this opinion article describes PTSD among urban youth and how the public health approach can break the cycle of violence. Helping communities heal from trauma can prevent future violence, and Pennsylvania is exploring trauma-informed education as one strategy. 

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  • April 20, 2013

    The Secret to Fixing School Discipline Problems? Change the Behavior of Adults

    Creating school environments that support social-emotional learning and foster student success can dramatically decrease suspensions, expulsions and bullying. Student misbehavior is often a symptom of toxic stress and exposure to violence, and teachers and school administrators can approach conflicts as opportunities for students to learn empathy, respect and coping skills. Read the article.

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  • April 17, 2013

    Retail Redlining: One of the Most Pervasive Forms of Racism Left in America?

    Local businesses shape the look and feel of a place, and economic opportunities and youth employment help prevent violence. When retail stores, grocers and restaurants decide not to serve a certain community because of its ethnic or racial composition, "retail redlining" undermines neighborhood safety, blocks access to healthy foods, and stifles community life. Read the article.

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  • March 20, 2013

    ‘Everywhere There’s Violence, There’s Kids’: Healing 44th Street

    When entire communities are traumatized by violence, neighborhood-wide healing strategies can supplement individual mental health treatment. San Diego residents are asking for trauma-informed education, whereby all teachers are trained on how violence affects children's ability to learn. This way, school staff can recognize the signs of trauma and help students recover. Read the article.

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  • March 15, 2013

    Interrupting Violence: How the CeaseFire Program Prevents Imminent Violence through Conflict Mediation

    This qualitative study of the Cure Violence model details how violence interrupters operate on the streets of Chicago and Baltimore. It shares methods for identifying street conflicts and gaining the community's trust, and describes key considerations and tactics for mediating conflict. Street outreach and violence interruption is one of five priority strategies recommended in the UNITY Policy Platform. Read the article.

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  • March 13, 2013

    Mixed-Use Neighborhoods May Be Safer, Too

    The neighborhood environment affects the likelihood of violence, and this article describes how smart land use decisions and zoning laws can reduce crime. Findings of a new study suggests that urban planners could be valuable partners in multi-sector efforts to prevent violence. Read the article.

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  • February 25, 2013

    Adverse Childhood Experiences -- Looking at How ACEs Affect Our Lives & Society

    Published by: Veto Violence, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    All violence is connected, and children who witness or experience violence are at higher risk for suicide and poor health later in life. This interactive infographic illustrates the importance of creating safe, stable, nurturing environments and relationships, and can help make the case for preventing violence. See the infographic.

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  • February 22, 2013

    Expanding the Evidence Universe

    To effectively address complex social problems such as violence, the Center for the Study of Social Policy suggests expanding the definition of valid, credible evidence to include practitioner wisdom and other types of data. The premium on certain evaluation methods, such as the randomized control trial, gets in the way of assessing the merits of a comprehensive, collaborative approach. Read the report for details on all five recommendations.

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