The Issues

Community Violence

Community violence is violence against people around us.

Community violence can be violence against people we know or strangers we are near in our day-to-day lives. It can be a single event, like a shooting in public, or happen repeatedly, like ongoing gang violence. It can also include hate crimes, when individuals or groups are targeted because of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other characteristics. Experiencing community violence can steal our sense of safety and cause us ongoing emotional, physical, and economic pain.

Safe Horizon offers victims, survivors, and their families emotional and concrete support in the aftermath of violence, including trauma-focused counseling and advocacy with police and the courts. Immediate and long term supports include counseling, specialized support groups, and connection to benefits, for anyone who has experienced community violence. Safe Horizon also partners with survivors and communities on advocacy efforts to raise awareness, change laws and institutions, and expand violence prevention programs.

Our Programs 

We offer a variety of services for people who have experienced community violence, from emotional counsel to housing support.

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Community and Restorative Practices

Offering trauma-informed counseling, safety planning, support groups and more for survivors of abuse and their families.

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Hotline and Chat

Answering the call with personalized support, safety planning, and help accessing resources, including emergency shelter, for all survivors.

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Streetwork Project

Providing youth experiencing homelessness with housing, healthcare, community, food, clothing, and hygiene at two drop-in centers, with an overnight shelter available for youth under 21.

Relevant Resources

Safe Horizon In The News

We’re Undercounting Victims of Gun Violence

The impact of gun violence extends beyond physical injuries, affecting survivors, witnesses, and communities.

Safe Blog

Bias and Hate Crime NYC – Victim Resources

Resources for individuals looking to report hate crimes and stand against discrimination.

Safe Blog

A Conversation about Gun Violence Solutions

Watch our webinar about the scope and impact of gun violence in America, and the need for community-based support and resources for survivors.