UNITY: Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth Through Violence Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the goal of UNITY?
• Why do we need UNITY?
• What is violence prevention?
• What about cities not included in UNITY?
• Who coordinates UNITY?

What is the goal of UNITY?

UNITY is designed to strengthen urban youth violence prevention. By building national support and consensus, UNITY will develop sustainable public health approaches to preventing youth violence. UNITY will bring together young people, representatives of the nation’s largest cities, and national violence prevention advocates and leaders, as part of a National Consortium to shape the U.S. strategy for urban youth violence prevention. UNITY will also provide tools, training, and technical assistance to help cities be more effective in preventing youth violence.

Why do we need UNITY?

Young people are severely impacted by violence and those who live in urban areas are disproportionately affected. For example, according to the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, 14% of high school students in the District of Columbia felt too unsafe to go to school, 25% reported carrying a weapon, 16% were intentionally physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend, 12% reported being forced to have sex and 14% reported making a suicide plan.* Students in other large cities included in the survey also reported these behaviors in high numbers.

It is time to consider a new approach. To maximize existing resources and promote sustainability, we are proposing a paradigm shift – from programs to strategy. Most cities do not have a collaborative plan or any other clear strategy for addressing youth violence. We need to support our nation’s urban communities and leaders in enhancing and coordinating violence prevention efforts in our cities.

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance Summaries, May 21, 2004. MMWR 2004:53 (No. SS-2). Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/yrbs/index.htm.

What is violence prevention?

We know that violence is preventable. Violence is a learned behavior that can be unlearned or not learned in the first place. Violence is a complex problem that requires participation from multiple sectors and stakeholders. Therefore, violence prevention involves comprehensive and multifaceted efforts to address the risk factors associated with violence, and builds on assets in youth, families, and communities.

Violence prevention is distinct from violence containment or suppression. Violence prevention contributes to empowerment, educational and economic progress, and improved life management skills while fostering communities in which young people can grow in dignity and safety. By focusing on prevention, institutions can be more inclusive and receptive in responding to community needs. Success in violence prevention requires investment in and commitment to leadership, planning, collaboration, and resources.

What about cities not included in UNITY?

Initially, UNITY will focus primarily on the 45 largest cities in the country.* These cities represent the first step in building momentum for a national youth violence prevention movement.  Successes through UNITY in these cities will then serve as models that can be used by everyone.

* View a full list of UNITY cities.

Who coordinates UNITY?

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Putting Prevention at the Center of Community Well Being
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