Fathers Against Violence

WE ARE A COALITION OF ADVOCATES BUILDING SAFER COMMUNITIES - let's work together to end violence in our communities. Ultimately, FAV is a community-based (city-by-city focused) organization under the leadership of Dr. Jehoshaphat K. Jones and Al Grimes.

A Father's Story

Key Initiatives

The Fathers Against Violence Program is a key initiative focused on creating safer communities by engaging fathers and other male role models in violence prevention and community building. The program is structured around five core strategies: education, open dialogue, conflict resolution, seeking safety, and reporting. Each strategy plays a critical role in empowering individuals and fostering a culture of non-violence.

+ Education

Education is the foundation of the Fathers Against Violence Program. Through workshops, seminars, and community events, fathers and male role models are educated about the root causes of violence, its impact on families and communities, and effective prevention techniques. This knowledge equips them with the tools to recognize and address potential violence proactively, making them vital contributors to safer environments.

+ Open Dialogue

Open dialogue is encouraged within the program to promote transparency and understanding. Fathers and male role models are taught the importance of communication in preventing and resolving conflicts. By creating safe spaces for open discussions, the program helps break down barriers and stigmas associated with expressing emotions and seeking help. This fosters a supportive community where individuals feel heard and valued.

+ Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution skills are a crucial component of the program. Participants are trained in techniques to de-escalate tense situations and resolve disputes peacefully. By learning and practicing these skills, fathers and male role models become adept at managing conflicts in their families and communities, reducing the likelihood of violence and promoting harmony.

+ Seek Safety

Seeking safety is emphasized to ensure that individuals know how to protect themselves and others in potentially dangerous situations. The program educates participants on recognizing signs of imminent danger and taking appropriate actions to safeguard themselves and their loved ones. This proactive approach helps prevent violence before it escalates, contributing to a safer community.

+ Report

Reporting mechanisms are put in place to encourage accountability and intervention. Fathers and male role models are informed about the importance of reporting incidents of violence or potential threats to the appropriate authorities. By fostering a culture of reporting, the program ensures that issues are addressed promptly and that individuals receive the necessary support and resources to prevent further violence.

Our Vision and Focus

The Fathers Against Violence (FAV) research-based, evidence-based program aims to reduce community violence, including gang violence, violent crime, and domestic violence while building safer communities through comprehensive intervention and prevention efforts. Starting in Cleveland, Ohio (Wards 5 and 7, marked by gang violence, drug trafficking, prostitution, high unemployment, and poverty), the FAV program targets high-risk individuals and families impacted by violence, with plans to expand nationally in similar stigmatized communities.

FAV provides outreach, mentorship, and support services, offering alternatives for at-risk youth and young adults through a coalition of advocates and strategic partnerships. Experienced mentors, including fathers, former gang members, and community advocates, guide participants away from gang life and violence by offering education, job training, and positive role models. Additionally, FAV hosts job fairs and economic development initiatives, creating pathways for community development, stable employment, and financial independence.

To address domestic violence, FAV implements prevention programs that provide resources and support for victims, their families, and citizens. The central themes of violence reduction are education, open dialogue, conflict resolution, seeking safety, and reporting incidents. FAV’s core initiatives include Door-to-Door Violence Prevention Campaigns, Gun Amnesty, Seek Safety Programs, and a Violence Awareness Documentary. These programs raise awareness about the signs of domestic violence and available support services, fostering a safer environment and reducing domestic violence incidence. Community violence reduction is achieved through community-based violence intervention strategies involving law enforcement, victim service providers, and community organizations. This collaborative approach ensures a coordinated effort to reduce violence and address its root causes.

Strategic planning is key to FAV’s approach, with the development of a community-specific Violence Reduction Strategic Plan for Cleveland and 24 other cities with high violent crime rates. This plan is informed by action research, local data, and existing strategic plans, ensuring tailored interventions. Using data-driven approaches, FAV identifies effective strategies for reducing violence and allocates resources accordingly. Gun amnesty programs are also implemented to encourage the voluntary surrender of firearms, reducing the number of weapons in the community and decreasing the potential for gun violence. Action research, program assessments, and data collection are crucial to FAV’s success. FAV partners with the Applied Research Institute (an internal organization) to conduct community violence research activities. We identify service gaps and refine intervention approaches based on evidence and community feedback. By continuously evaluating the program’s impact and incorporating lessons learned, FAV adapts and improves strategies to ensure long-term effectiveness.