Differing approaches to addressing violence within a local community are sometimes seen as being in opposition, yet there is increasing recognition that working across sectors can be a more effective approach to addressing community safety.

The Violence Response Public Health and Safety Team (VR-PHAST) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is an example of the type of initiative that can help move multiple violence prevention efforts toward common goals. VR-PHAST was established to provide a point of coordination and collaboration in both the response to firearm violence, as well as a concentrated focus on prevention from a public health lens. This multisector team includes a relatively broad spectrum of partners from the local, county, state, and federal level, including government, nonprofit, research, and community-based organizations, and law enforcement has played a critical role in the efforts of this team from the onset.

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