Breaking the cycle of violence
Gun violence among Atlanta youth ranks shockingly high. Youth who witness violence at home, school, or in the community are at a greater risk of engaging in violent behavior themselves. This creates a cycle of violence that spreads and impacts entire families and neighborhoods. In response, AVA provides Safety 1st, a school-based advocacy program serving Fulton County youth and their families.
Studies show that when young people receive guidance and support at key developmental stages—especially in environments with high social and economic disparities—they are less likely to become involved in at-risk behavior. Safety 1st promotes positive behavioral changes and builds resilience by providing vulnerable youth access to skills and resources to overcome trauma and foster healthy relationships. Our school advocates collaborate with school social workers and parent liaisons to identify students who have experienced or witnessed a crime, conduct trauma screenings, and provide tailored advocacy services. Additionally, the advocates and social workers jointly facilitate weekly group sessions focused on violence intervention.
Safety 1st involves three components:
1. Victims to Victors (V2V)
These weekly support groups are tailored toward youth and caregivers who have experienced trauma from exposure to homicide and family violence. V2V helps them build their skills in managing anger, grief, and stress, and learn techniques for effective conflict resolution. Trained counselors and facilitators guide youth and their parents through an evidence-based Multimodality Trauma Treatment curriculum.
2. Safe Dates
Using an evidence-based curriculum, we equip young people with the tools they need to recognize signs of abuse and how to respond to dating violence during weekly sessions.
3. Onsite support
AVA's two dedicated school advocates offer advocacy, court accompaniment, referrals, and follow-up services to students and their caregivers during school hours.
How to Apply
V2V and Safe Dates are currently available to students (and their caregivers) who attend Maynard H. Jackson and Carver STEAM Academy High Schools. If you are a parent or guardian interested in applying for your child, use the links below.
Early support, lasting change
Since the Safety 1st program first launched in 2017, it has provided critical services to more than 1,050 students and their families. Watch the video to hear directly from the students and staff who support them.
In partnership with Atlanta Public Schools and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta, the Safety 1st program is currently active at Maynard Jackson and Carver STEAM high schools.
