Engaging Bystanders in Prevention

Voices Against Violence is a middle school prevention program that addresses the critical role bystanders can play in preventing school violence, developed by HHD in partnership with Columbia University and funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Working closely with a community advisory board and informed by input from focus groups and interviews, HHD created brief video-based stories to explore dilemmas that students, parents, and school staff face when they witness violent or potentially violent situations. These stories stimulate discussion in a safe environment and call on viewers to find ways their school community can support bystanders in preventing violence, from bullying and physical fights to weapon carrying and other even more serious threats to school safety.

The program was piloted in New York City with middle school students attending a summer school program and among 7th graders as part of regular social studies classroom lessons. Voices Against Violence has also been included as one of our Teenage Health Teaching Modules.