Community Mediation for the Interruption of Violence in At-risk Populations. A Case Study from Cali, Colombia.

• In Event: Public Health Approaches to Violence Prevention in the Americas: Lessons in Implementation and Evaluation

Abstract

Violence Interruption programs seek to stop violence before it occurs. This presentation draws on qualitative techniques to study “En la Buena”, an ongoing initiative developed in Cali, Colombia, in 2024, which serves 1.600 people, between 14-28 years old from 26 neighborhoods with the highest levels of crime and conflict. It focuses its activities on people who belong to gangs, have suffered homicide attempts, have been convicted of crimes or are members of soccer hooligans groups. Using 30 community mediators, this program promotes skills for the prevention of violence in youths, developing their life projects, generating a productive use of free time through art and sports, and providing education and employability opportunities. The presentation will address the main lessons learned which contributed to a 5% reduction in youth homicides from 2023-2024 (445 homicides vs 424), carried out 773 activities focused on conflict resolution, validated the high school diploma of 98 young people and supported the achievement of employment for 78 of them. As conclusion highlights the importance of mediators in creating safe environments; a standardized curriculum for training; the role of information systems in decision-making and collaboration with the private sector to promote employment opportunities.

Author

• Alvaro Pretel, Rutgers University-Newark