Violence Intervention Program, Inc.

Overview

The Violence Intervention Program, Inc. (VIP) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing domestic violence within the Latino community. Founded in 1984 by the East Harlem Council for Human Services, VIP initially operated as a demonstration project designed to improve health and social outcomes at a community level.

Mission

VIP's mission is to guide Latina victims of domestic violence to safety, empowering them to live free from violence and achieve their full potential. The organization achieves this through community awareness campaigns, activism, and culturally competent services.

History

By 1989, VIP had separated from the East Harlem Council for Human Services and established its first independent office in Manhattan. This led to the formalization of non-residential programs, which included a bilingual hotline, counseling, and advocacy services.

Programs and Services

VIP's services have expanded over the years to include residential facilities. A notable achievement was the establishment of Morivivi in 1988, the first domestic violence shelter specifically for immigrant Latina victims. In 2005, Casa Sandra opened as one of the few supportive housing units catering to undocumented victims.

VIP's range of services also includes non-residential programs that have expanded to locations in Queens and the Bronx. These programs encompass crime victim services, economic empowerment initiatives, and community education and outreach. Additionally, the Promotora program, initiated in 2009, allows former clients to provide support to fellow survivors.

Impact

Today, VIP is recognized as a prominent organization with a budget of $3.4 million, offering eight distinct programs that serve over 10,000 New York State residents. While its focus is primarily on Latina victims, VIP's principles of empowerment, self-determination, and cultural competency resonate with victims from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Global Reach

Despite its localized focus on New York City, VIP's mission and influence extend globally, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive interventions in addressing domestic violence worldwide.

[1] https://www.vipmujeres.org/about-us/mission-history/ [2] https://discover.pbc.gov/youthservices/Pages/FVIP.aspx [3] https://www.ojp.gov/archive/topics/community-violence-intervention [4] https://violenceinterventionprogram.org [5] https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/solutions/community-violence-intervention