Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement

The Office of Violence Prevention & Trauma Recovery (OVPTR) was established in 2023 to promote public health and safety targeted to support youth, families, and communities in Jackson. Recommended by the Gun Violence and Re-imagining Public Safety Task Forces, OVPTR was conceived as a strategic and equitable investment to increase public safety in Jackson by taking interventions upstream in the cycle of violence. By addressing environmental causes of violence, healing the trauma caused by violence, and equipping change-agents to serve their communities, more Jacksonians can experience the benefits that come from safety. Through community engagement and partnerships, the OVPTR works to reduce the likelihood of violence related injury and death and support trauma recovery and healing across the city of Jackson The Office of Violence Prevention & Trauma Recovery (OVPTR) works to reduce the likelihood of violence related injury and death and support trauma recovery and healing across Jackson. The OVPTR focuses on: Teaching - through violence prevention community education workshops and professional development training Strengthening Systems - working with national, state, city and community groups to apply a violence prevention lens to the work they do Reaching Community Partners - EVERYONE has a role to play in violence prevention!