Behind LA's dramatic decline in gang violence

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/24/gang-violence-decline_n_6656840.html?cps=gravity_2659_7317138142693194709

Ann Brenoff

The Huffington Post

24 February 2015

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In the past, Los Angeles was a dangerous city fraught with gang wars. Lately, though, LA has become a safer city due to six changes enforced by the police cracking down on public violence and gangs.

A Safe Haven in Cartoon Confidants

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/22/a-safe-haven-in-cartoon-confidantes

David Bornstein

The New York Times

22 November 2010

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Children coming from abusive households are often reluctant to discuss their past experiences. A Mexican foundation is using animated characters to help abused and ill children speak about their lives.

Colombia's Data-Driven Fight Against Crime

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/20/colombias-data-driven-fight-against-crime

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

20 November 2014

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Colombia has attempted to decrease murder and homicide rates by setting up curfews for teenagers, forcing bars to close earlier in the evening, and creating gun laws to prevent the carrying of weapons. As a result of this epidemiological, data-driven approach, along with other governmental factors, the homicide rate has decreased significantly in most of the cities in which it was implemented.

Curbing Online Abuse Isn't Impossible. Here's Where We Start

http://www.wired.com/2014/05/fighting-online-harassment

Laura Hudson

Wired

15 May 2014

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Harassment on the internet is more accepted but just as harmful as it is in person. RiotGames, a game publisher, decreased abuse by enabling its gaming members to decide and enforce community norms.

Escaping the Cycle of Scarcity

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/escaping-the-cycle-of-scarcity

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

25 September 2013

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Poor people are less likely to make smart financial decisions; however, new research in the U.S. says this is not about intelligence but rather about a brain being overwhelmed with issues related to poverty. To combat that barrier of stress, organizations around the world are making financial decisions easier for people experiencing poverty by making borrowing easier and automating future financial planning, like 401(k) contributions.

Fighting Bullying With Babies

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/fighting-bullying-with-babies

David Bornstein

The New York Times

8 November 2010

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The Canadian federal government has identified bullying as a national problem. Roots of Empathy, based in Toronto, encourages empathy in elementary kids by having them interact with babies.

For Better Crime Prevention, a Dose of Science

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/16/making-sure-crime-prevention-pays

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

16 January 2015

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Crime is a result of many underlying social issues, but Crime Lab, a research organization with branches in New York and Chicago, is studying which simple solutions will have the most impact in their city. Cost-effective efforts such as tutoring combined with cognitive behavioral therapy have proven to be successful.

A Fla. District Leads in Violence Prevention

http://www.pulitzer.org/files/2012/public_service/assault09.pdf

Kristen A. Graham

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network)

1 April 2011

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Palm Beach County, Florida has many of the same social problems that Philadelphia has, including “gangs, drugs, and poverty.” However, their school system has managed to keep students safe by employing “safe-school case managers” who build relationships with students, and they offer a youth court that is a system run by students who peer-review cases of unrest. The initiatives in this county has prevented school violence from happening without metal detectors and just two police officers.

Battling America's other PTSD crisis

http://news.yahoo.com/battling-america-s-other-ptsd-crisis-194336514.html?soc_src=mail&soc_trk=ma

Tina Rosenberg

Yahoo! News

6 March 2015

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A program in Philadelphia is pioneering new ways to treat the urban wounded. By seeing it as PTSD, and not pointing fingers, the city is using mental health tools to decrease violence and heal communities.

For Weight Loss, a Recipe of Teamwork and Trust

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/for-weight-loss-a-recipe-of-teamwork-and-trust

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

15 November 2011

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While weight loss can be challenging to maintain, different structures are being created to help. Certain support groups, financial incentives, and tough love are proving to be effective.