Wilmington’s new Office of Community Safety will focus on targeted “hotspots” where violence is most concentrated. A recent fatal shooting in one of these areas underscores the urgency of this approach, city officials say. This builds on statewide strategies like Group Violence Intervention (GVI),  which targets individuals at highest risk of involvement in gun violence and coordinates support across agencies.

These efforts extend beyond government. Lauren Footman, executive director of End Community Violence Now (ECVN), describes the organization as a “convener” aligning community-based organizations, healthcare systems, and public agencies.

Together, these efforts reflect a coordinated, cross-sector approach focused on prevention, intervention, and long-term solutions.