Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program
Acenda’s Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program is a free service, provided in partnership with Inspira, to support individuals and families, ages 10 and up, who are victims of community violence. HVIP helps you and your family heal the physical, emotional, and social wounds left by community violence.
We’re here to help with:
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Depression
Identifying and linking to clinical services..
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Stress & Anxiety
Identifying and providing coping strategies and resources to support wellness.
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Justice & Legal Involvement
Supporting you as you navigate the legal system and pursue justice.
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Employment & Vocational Challenges
Providing support, resources, and guidance to help you overcome work-related obstacles, develop skills, and achieve your career goals.
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Trauma
Providing support through traumatic events and resulting recovery.
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Community Resources
Connecting you to important resources to guide you through your wellness journey.
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Grief & Loss
Providing support and guidance to help you cope with loss, process emotions, and begin to heal.
Eligibility
To be eligible for HVIP services, you must:
- Be over the age of 10 and treated at an HVIP affiliated hospital (see list in FAQs)
- Be treated at a hospital as a victim of a gunshot, stabbing, or blunt-force trauma
- Be a resident of Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem County
- Be referred to HVIP by the hospital where you were treated (AtlantiCare, Christiana, or Cooper Hospital)
What to Expect
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Reaching Out
During your visit to the emergency room, HVIP will be notified about your case. An Intervention Specialist will contact you to offer support and guide you through the next steps.
If you were discharged from the emergency room after being treated for community violence injuries, call 609-970-9971.
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Arranging Services
Your Intervention Specialist will help you complete the necessary paperwork and schedule an in-person or virtual intake appointment as a time that works best for you.
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Moving Forward with Care
After completing an intake with your Intervention Specialist, you’ll work together to create a personalized service plan that reflects your goals and needs. Your specialist will provide support with safety planning, access to financial or housing assistance, transportation to medical appointments, and connections to resources that address trauma-related needs. Services may be provided in person or virtually, typically lasting one to three hours per session, and can continue for up to 12 months following the incident, or longer if needed.
FAQ’s
Are services free?
Yes, HVIP services are free.
Does HVIP provide transportation?
We do not provide transportation; however, we can help with transportation to appointments or other HVIP-related meetings by scheduling you an Uber to and from appointments. HVIP will cover transportation fees.
Does HVIP have team members who speak Spanish?
Yes, we have an intervention specialist and a program director that are fluent in Spanish.
Is HVIP a part of the Witness Protection Program?
No, HVIP is not a part of the FBI’s Witness Protection Program.
Does HVIP provide housing?
We are able to assist in temporary housing/emergency housing relocation. We will link clients to housing assistance programs. HVIP can assist clients with their first month’s rent and security deposit, if needed.
How do I qualify for HVIP services?
To qualify for HVIP services, you must:
- Be 10 years old or older
- Be treated at a hospital as a victim of a gunshot, stabbing, or blunt-force trauma
- Be referred to HVIP by the hospital where you were treated (AtlantiCare, Christiana, or Cooper Hospital)
- Live in Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem County
How can the Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program help me after experiencing community violence?
The Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program provides compassionate support to help individuals and families recover after experiencing community violence. Your Intervention Specialist will work with you to address immediate needs, connect you to behavioral health services, develop a safety plan, access community resources, and support your long-term healing and recovery.
Is participation in the Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program voluntary?
Yes. Participation in HVIP is completely voluntary. Your Intervention Specialist will explain the program, answer your questions, and help you determine whether the available services are right for you. The goal is to provide support and resources that meet your individual needs while respecting your choices throughout the recovery process.
Can my family or caregivers be involved in services?
Yes. With your permission, family members or other trusted individuals may be involved in your care and recovery. Because community violence can affect the entire family, HVIP works to provide guidance, education, and connections to resources that support both individuals and their loved ones throughout the healing process.
What happens after I complete the HVIP program?
As you prepare to complete the program, your Intervention Specialist will help develop a transition plan to support your continued success. This may include referrals to behavioral health services, housing resources, employment supports, community programs, or other services that help you continue healing and maintain long-term stability.
