Brief 5: Supporting Clients Impacted by Community Violence

The prevalence and ongoing threat of violent crime in communities affect the health and emotional well-being of those who live in them. In neighborhoods with high levels of violence, it is not uncommon for residents to have been injured, witnessed shootings, or lost a loved one to violent death. These experiences can lead to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at rates comparable to those seen in combat veterans. Whether or not violent episodes lead to the development of PTSD, living with the ongoing threat of violence has a pervasive effect on people’s day-to-day lives and functioning.