Program Example

RSVP is a “victim-driven” violence prevention program that attempts to heal the damage caused by violent crime and to prevent future violent crimes.

The San Francisco County Jail has 62 beds designated for the offender restoration portion of the RSVP program. Six days a week for 12 hours a day inmates take part in an intensive program that involves drama classes, group learning, and group counseling designed to help the participants take a hard look at the violence in their lives. After the men are released, they will continue their involvement in the program through a six-month substance abuse program or in the Post Release Education Program. The men are also required to participate in community restoration activities.

RSVP integrates the jail-based component with components aimed at victims and the community. The victim restoration component provides support to the victims of violent crime by helping them assess the impact of the crime on their life, assisting with their living and financial situations and providing general support. RSVP promotes healing and helps victims to transform themselves into survivors and advocates.

For the component addressing community restoration and educating the public on issues of violence, RSVP conducts workshops and discussions at high schools and other public events to increase awareness about violent crime. There is also an annual theater production that brings together offenders and victims.

Outcomes