Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs Work

2006/09/01 by Carnell Cooper, Dawn M. Eslinger, Paul D. Stolley · 243 citations
Medicine · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Child Abuse and Trauma #Gun Ownership and Violence Research #Injury prevention #Intervention (counseling) #Medical emergency #Medicine #Poison control #Psychiatry #Psychology #Psychosocial #Randomized controlled trial #Suicide prevention #Surgery #Workplace Violence and Bullying

paper · doi:10.1097/01.ta.0000236576.81860.8c

published in The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care 61(3), 534-540 (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

openalex publication_date 2006/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hospital-based violence prevention programs have emerged at trauma centers nationwide; however, none has been thoroughly evaluated for effectiveness. Our Violence Intervention Program (VIP) conducted a prospective randomized control study to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention for repeat victims of violence. METHOD: Patients admitted between 1999 and 2001 for treatment of injuries inflicted by a violent act were identified. Repeat victims of violence on parole/probation were invited to join the study. Participants were given a history-gathering questionnaire and randomized into two groups. Cases (intervention [n = 56]) received intensive psychosocial follow-up services, family or group therapy, and assisted with substance abuse treatment. Controls (nonintervention [n = 44]) received standard medical treatment and follow-through in accordance with standard parole or probation procedures. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the number of arrests in the two groups. The control group was three times more likely to be arrested for a violent crime, two times more likely to be convicted of any crime, and four times more likely to be convicted of a violent crime. The projected time of incarceration is significantly longer for the control group. Repeat violent criminal activity was significantly more evident in the control group. CONCLUSION: Significant differences exist between the VIP intervention and nonintervention groups in terms of the quantity and severity of criminal activity.

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