DSU Hosts Second Annual Community Violence Intervention Summit

DOVER, Del. – Delaware State University’s campus was the host of the Second Annual Community Violence Intervention Summit on Tuesday — an event driven by the need to prevent violence and strengthen community safety.

Community leaders and policymakers gathered to talk about strategies, solutions, and to gain practical skills at this years summit.

Dr. Talib Hudson, founder of “The New Hood” a non-profit advocacy organization, says that exposure to violence can have impacts on people that can be life lasting.

“Adverse childhood experiences can lead to a number of undesired socio economic outcomes,” Hudson said. “Without intervention exposure to violence when someone is very young can definitely have long lasting effects even into adulthood.”

Hudson also says that there are warning signs relatives and friends can look out for if someone they know has gone through a tragedy.

“We go back to the old adage, you have two ears and one mouth,” Hudson said. “have conversations with young people and listen to what they say and really take it in and show them that you care.”

Executive director of End Community Violence Now Lauren Footman says that ending community violence efforts are the responsibility of both neighbors and the government.

“Then there is also a need of a whole government approach,” Footman said. “And because of the size of Delaware there is a need for state, county, and local municipal organizations to come together.”

A common message that multiple presenters repeated is to be understanding with one another.

“We can intervene with care and resources,” Hudson said. “And that is how we will have a safer community.”