On February 29, 2024, Parents for Peace joined leading experts at Yale University for a critical discussion on “Public Health Approaches to Reducing Targeted Violence.” Co-hosted by the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs and the Yale School of Public Health, the event highlighted how public health strategies can help prevent violence before it occurs, offering solutions beyond traditional law enforcement and punitive measures.
Our Executive Director, Myrieme Churchill, shared insights from Parents for Peace’s frontline work supporting families affected by extremism. She emphasized that targeted violence doesn’t appear in a vacuum—it often stems from grievances, isolation, and a search for meaning, all of which can be addressed through compassionate intervention and support networks.
A Shift in Approach: From Response to Prevention
For too long, efforts to address targeted violence have focused on reacting after harm has occurred. This panel explored how early intervention, mental health resources, and strong community connections can disrupt pathways to violence before they escalate.
Panelists included:
- Dr. Megan Ranney – Dean of the Yale School of Public Health and expert on gun violence prevention
- Matthew Schumacher, PhD – Clinical and operational psychologist with extensive experience in law enforcement and national security
- Brian Hughes, PhD – Acting director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL), specializing in radicalization prevention
Moderated by Shan Soe-Lin, MPH, PhD, the conversation underscored the importance of holistic, evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of violence—not just its outcomes.
Strengthening Systems of Support
As Parents for Peace continues to work alongside families, mental health professionals, and policymakers, events like this reinforce a shared commitment to building resilient communities and preventing harm before it takes hold. By shifting toward public health-centered solutions, we can better support individuals at risk—and strengthen the networks that keep communities safe.
