Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.

Violence Intervention Advocacy Program

617.414.4926

Select your language:

VIAP LogoProviding Help and Hope to Individuals and Families Impacted by Violence

Boston Medical Center's Violence Intervention Program (VIAP) responds to all violent penetrating injuries (gunshot or stab wounds) admitted to the Emergency Department. Since 2006, VIAP has worked to guide victims of community violence through physical and emotional recovery using a trauma-informed approach to care. VIAP provides crisis intervention, mental health services, ongoing case management on an array of basic needs and individual goals, family support services, and more.

VIAP seeks to empower clients and families and facilitate recovery by providing services and opportunities. VIAP presents options for families that bring hope and healing to their lives. In turn, this guidance helps strengthen others who are affected by violence and contributes to building safer and healthier communities. VIAP has developed a strong foundation of services and community partnerships to help members of our community navigate and overcome the challenges presented on the road to healing.

Due to the uniqueness of each individual and circumstance, VIAP does not limit the amount of time a client and their family can receive services. Working with VIAP remains an option to those who previously declines services if they choose to reengage with the program at a later time.

VIAP’s Mission

The Violence Intervention Advocacy Program's mission is to assist victims of violence in their recovery from physical and emotional trauma by empowering them with skills, services, and opportunities. Empowerment enables victims to return to their communities, make positive changes in their lives, strengthen others who are affected by violence, and contribute to building safer and healthier communities. Through effective intervention, VIAP aims to improve clients' long-term outcomes, which include reduction in violent reinjury and future violence enactment.

VIAP is a Founding Member of the HAVI

VIAP is one of eight founding members of the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI), formerly known as the National Network of Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (NNHVIP). The HAVI is a network of hospital-based violence intervention programs from across the nation that support each other in development and collaborate on evidence-based initiatives to address violence within communities.

The HAVI Logo


 

The HAVI identifies a multi-leveled approach for hospital-based violence intervention programs, which VIAP embraces:

  1. Intervention
  2. Care
  3. Follow-up Services
  4. Address Social Determinants

To learn more about the HAVI, check out their website.

Contact VIAP

Main Phone: 617-414-4926

Boston Medical Center
Department of Emergency Medicine
Menino Pavillion
Dowling Building; Ground Floor
850 Harrison Ave
Boston, MA 02118