Division of Safety and Compliance

VVPP - Vermont Violence Prevention Project

Banner image of a Vermont landscape sunrise over mountains and farm fields with the words The Vermont Violence Prevention Project written across the top of the image

The Vermont Violence Prevention Project (VVPP) is committed to elevating violence prevention efforts in Vermont's colleges, universities, medium to large employers and community organizations. This project was made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, opportunity number DHS-23-TTP-132-00-01. The VVPP's multi-faceted initiative comprises four core programs: the provision of high-quality, no-cost Threat Assessment and Management Team Training, the convening of a Healthy Campuses & Workplaces Symposium in Fall 2024, the development of a comprehensive multimedia Violence Prevention and Response Toolkit and the implementation and dissemination of a Bystander Intervention Training Curriculum. These initiatives collectively strive to cultivate safer and more vibrant communities throughout the state, promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders. They equip both individuals and Threat Assessment Teams with the tools and expertise necessary to proactively prevent targeted violence.

Threat Assessment and Management Team Training

The Threat Assessment and Management Team Training initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of threat assessment and management practices in Vermont's higher educational institutions, residential campuses, and medium-to-large employers, which encompass hospitals, healthcare facilities, and state agencies. This 24-month initiative will offer multiple full-day basic and advanced training sessions to improve existing Threat Assessment Teams, foster the establishment of new teams, and provide access to nationally recognized presenters and best practices. By leveraging these opportunities, the initiative seeks to equip Vermont organizations with the skills and knowledge needed to identify and manage potential threats, ultimately enhancing community safety and security.

Healthy Campuses & Workplaces Symposium

The goal of the Healthy Campuses & Workplaces Symposium is to develop a comprehensive approach to violence prevention in Vermont by leveraging the collective knowledge, expertise, and resources of the state's academic community, local organizations, and state agencies. Schedule for Monday September 16, 2024, this full day conference will be hosted in the Davis Student Center at the University of Vermont, Burlington VT. The Healthy Campuses & Workplaces Symposium is designed to promote communication and networking among participants and encourage the exchange of best practices.

Violence Prevention and Response Toolkit

The Violence Prevention and Response Toolkit will feature a collection of videos, infographics, and other engaging media resources carefully crafted to inform and educate the wider community on eleven vital topics related to violence prevention and response. The proposed Toolkit holds significant relevance as it aligns with raising societal awareness and efforts to help local communities gain a deeper understanding of the signs that may indicate someone is moving towards violent behavior and recognizing the nature of targeted violence and terrorism threats. The development of these media assets is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024.

Learn more about the Toolkit

Bystander Intervention Training Curriculum

This initiative will involve a thorough vetting and subsequent implementation of a Bystander Intervention Training Curriculum within UVM's campus community. Furthermore, the curriculum will be disseminated to a wider audience during the Healthy Campuses & Workplaces Symposium, thereby extending the reach of this valuable resource.

Learn more about the Bystander Intervention Training Curriculum