A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of the Cure Violence Approach

The Cure Violence approach applies public health epidemic control strategies to reduce violence in highly impacted communities and countries. This paper conducts a systematic review to identify studies analyzing the effectiveness of the Cure Violence approach and provides an overview of their findings. A protocol was developed using the PRISMA guidelines. For this study, we examined findings related only to shootings and killings because these are the outcomes to which the Cure Violence approach is applied. We utilized PubMed database, Google Scholar, and the Cure Violence Global organizational files to look for relevant studies. The review identified 13 papers analyzing 27 program sites and offering 83 findings on the impact of the approach on either shootings or killings. Overall, 68.7% of the findings indicated a reduction in shootings or killings, with 32.5% demonstrating statistically significant decreases. Findings varied geographically, with Baltimore accounting for the highest proportion of sites reporting either an increase in shootings or killings or non-significant results. Outside of Baltimore, 95.8% of sites demonstrated reductions in violence, with 54.2% achieving statistical significance. Notable findings include a 52% reduction in killings in Chicago, a 63% reduction in shootings in New York City, and a 74% reduction in killings in Cali, Colombia. The context surrounding the Baltimore findings underscores the importance of contextual factors in determining program effectiveness. Key components influencing program effectiveness include targeting individuals and groups at highest risk, employing credible messengers to reach individuals and groups at highest risk, real-time violence interruption and conflict mediation, sustained case management, structured monitoring systems with rapid response mechanisms, continuous monitoring of impact on shootings and killings, and sufficient, sustained financial investment. Recommendations to researchers are presented regarding the importance of including contextual factors in future research and understanding the importance of their role in guiding communities in improving the effectiveness of violence prevention programs.