One of the most critical lessons I continue to learn—and relearn—in this work is this: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) is only as effective as it is complete. And too often, I see something in our field that puts that completeness in jeopardy.
Many CVI practitioners—committed, well-meaning, and deeply embedded in community—are still facilitating one-sided mediations—only reaching one side of an active or potential conflict. That one side may get access to transformative mentorship, healing supports, life opportunities, and accountability frameworks. But the other side? They remain unengaged, unseen, untouched by the impact of the intervention.
This isn’t just a missed opportunity.
It’s a dangerous gap—-a blink.
And it’s time we name it.
Let me be clearer: When we provide CVI services to just one party in a conflict, we put that individual in a more vulnerable position. They’re learning new tools. Their mindset is shifting. They’re processing trauma and developing new models for how to resolve conflict—often choosing not to use a firearm to resolve steadily surfacing conflict, often choosing not to retaliate.
But across town—or across the street—the other side of that conflict has received nothing.
No coaching.
No healing.
No shift in mindset.
That imbalance creates risk—not only for the person who is transforming but for the sustainability of the peace we claim to build.
Retaliatory gun violence is not one-sided. CVI interventions shouldn’t be either.
If our aim is to stop the cycle of violence—not just slow it, not just redirect it, but stop it—then we must design our street outreach, violence interruption, care management, and mentoring strategies to reach all sides of a conflict. Not just those we’re most comfortable or familiar with. Not just those we happen to have relationships with. Not just the ones who come to us.
We must do the hard work of going and getting to everyone connected to the conflict—whether they’re currently active, currently wounded, or currently resistant. This requires serious and intentional communication and collaboration across hoods, and here’s the kicker…ALL violence interrupters must work ALL sides of the conflict—-requiring a protective web of relationships between ALL involved.
This requires more than courage. It requires surgery—surgical collaboration between interrupters, care managers, and street outreach teams—consistent information-sharing, trusted proximity, and a recognition that peace isn’t real unless it’s reciprocal.
Here’s the charge to every CVI leader and practitioner:
When you’re navigating a conflict, ask yourself—Have we reached everyone involved?
If the answer is no, this is your mission.
We must hold ourselves and our teams to the highest standard: no sides left behind. Because when we only reach half the conflict, we deliver half the impact.
Our communities deserve more than that.
Very Good Piece.