Community Violence: Exposure, Victimization, and Prevention

Dr. Essence presented this training on community violence using a systemic and developmental approach, grounding the topic in relevant statistics and examples at both the local and national level. The training maps the risk and protective factors tied to community violence exposure and victimization, and looks closely at the consequences of that exposure specifically within urban communities.

Dr. Essence initially gave this training May 2022 and was invited to present again on March 2023.

Beyond the clinical picture, the training equips participants with resources and strategies usable across clinical, school, and community settings, with a focus on resilience and healing after exposure — plus a spotlight on the community partners and national organizations actively doing this work.

Key Takeaways from the training

• Community violence has systemic and developmental dimensions, not just individual ones.

• Urban communities carry disproportionate exposure and consequences.

• Prevention and healing require resources across settings.