ACS Violence Intervention Program Helps Gun Violence Survivor Begin Path to Healing

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque’s Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Department is sharing a powerful story of recovery and resilience from its Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HBVIP), which works directly with survivors of violent traumatic injuries to provide safety planning, support long-term healing and prevent future harm.

In October, the HBVIP team received a referral from a local hospital for a victim of gun violence survivor who was recovering from multiple surgeries. Initially, the individual declined services, stating they didn’t need support. However, thanks to the team’s patient and trauma-informed approach, the survivor later reflected on their situation and shared, “You know what, I do have a problem and want the help.”

This moment marked a major breakthrough. The HBVIP team immediately began working with the individual at hospital bedside to connect them with transitional living options, mental health support, and SSI application assistance. HBVIP will continue to provide follow-ups after hospital discharge to ensure connection to comprehensive system of care and continue their recovery journey. Through consistent outreach, empathy, and accountability, ACS responders helped the survivor begin rebuilding a sense of trust, stability, and purpose after trauma.

“This case really demonstrates what makes the Violence Intervention Program different,” said ACS Violence Intervention Manager Brandy Gutierrez. “We don’t give up on people. Sometimes it takes time, patience, and compassion for someone to see that help is possible—and when that moment comes, we’re ready.”

The Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HBVIP) is a critical component of the City’s violence prevention strategy. The program connects survivors of violent incidents—such as shootings or assaults—with peer support workers who have lived experience overcoming similar challenges. These peers play a vital role in helping survivors process trauma, navigate recovery, and avoid re-entering cycles of retaliation or high-risk behavior.

By engaging individuals immediately after a critical event, when they are often most receptive to change, HBVIP helps survivors recognize the lasting physical, emotional, and legal consequences of violence. This timely, trauma-informed engagement not only supports individual healing but also helps interrupt cycles of violence, making communities safer for everyone.

“HBVIP’s approach is powerful because it reaches people in their most vulnerable moments—when they can truly see that continuing a life tied to violence comes with real, lasting costs,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “By pairing compassion with lived experience, our peer support specialists are helping survivors choose healing over harm.”

The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) and HBVIP teams provide trauma-informed case management, peer support, and recovery coordination for survivors of violence across Albuquerque. Through persistent engagement and compassionate intervention, ACS helps individuals break cycles of trauma and find pathways toward recovery, safety, and stability.

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Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.