Sen. Marshall Introduces Bipartisan Solution to Cyclical Violence Act

(Washington, D.C.) – Last week, Sens. Marshall (R-KS)  and Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Bipartisan Solution to Cyclical Violence Act. This bipartisan legislation would establish or expand hospital-based intervention programs for victims of violence. Utilizing proven intervention methods, victims will not only receive the care they need while recovering their injuries, but will learn holistic approaches and lifestyle changes to reduce their chances of being involved in future violence. This bill has also been introduced in the House by Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02).

“As the son of a police chief and as a physician working in a full-service hospital, I can attest to the issue of violence on the streets leading to the operating room,” said Senator Marshall. “Law enforcement and hospitals see two sides of the same coin of trauma and injuries due to crime across the country. I believe our bipartisan, bicameral legislation can be part of the solution in decreasing re-hospitalization as a result of crime through early intervention and interdisciplinary coordination not just in health care, but also with social services and law enforcement personnel. I’m honored to work with Senator Cardin in advancing the bill through the Senate HELP Committee.”

“Violence intervention programs work. We can break the cycle of violence so that recovering victims of violent crimes do not become victims again,” said Senator Cardin. “Expanding federal investment in intervention and prevention will make a lasting difference in Baltimore City and other localities across the state and the country by reducing violent crime, recidivism, hospitalizations and making our communities safer.”

The Bipartisan Solution to Cyclical Violence Act is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, American College of Surgeons, Society of Trauma Nurses, National Association of School Resource Officers, National League of Cities, Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI), National District Attorneys Association, Cure Violence, American Hospital Association, American College of Emergency Physicians and the Community Justice Action Fund.

Background:

The Bipartisan Solution to Cyclical Violence Act establishes a federal grant program under the Department of Health and Human Services to help states create or expand hospital-based violence intervention or prevention programs and study the effectiveness of these programs to determine best practices. Grants will be awarded from $250,000 to $500,000 per grantee, over a three-year period.