WFAE
In 2020 there were 122 homicides in Charlotte and violent crimes were up by 16% compared to the previous year, according to Charlotte police statistics. Numerous studies show that 25% of people who are victims of violent crimes will be a perpetrator or victim of another crime in the future.
To tackle this specific aspect of the crime Charlotte faces, Atrium Health and city officials are working together on a new violence intervention program. Atrium s Dr. David Jacobs says they see about 750 people annually for gunshot wounds in their trauma unit, alone.
Jacobs, who is overseeing the new program, says they plan to work with emergency room victims and take a more comprehensive approach to preventing people from becoming a repeat victim or repeatedly engaging in violent criminal activities.