First Community Resource Centre NPC
Hanover Park, Cape Town, South Africa
A Bold Solution to End Violence Globally
CeaseFire – A Cure Violence Approach
A Proven Public Health Solution to Prevent Violence
CeaseFire is part of the internationally recognised Cure Violence model, which treats violence as a preventable public health issue rather than an inevitable part of community life.
Using evidence-based strategies, the programme works to reduce violence by identifying and interrupting conflicts before they escalate, supporting individuals most at risk of becoming involved in violence, and promoting positive behaviours that strengthen families and communities.
At the heart of the CeaseFire approach are carefully selected and trained community members—often respected local leaders and credible messengers—who have the trust and influence needed to mediate conflicts, mentor vulnerable individuals, and encourage lasting behavioural change.
By changing attitudes, reducing retaliation, and fostering healthier social norms, CeaseFire helps create safer neighbourhoods where individuals, families and communities can thrive.
The AFS-Khusela Community Prevention model
Protecting Children by Strengthening Families
The AFS-Khusela Community Prevention Model is a community-based programme that supports families and protects children through prevention, early intervention, and community care.
Based on the principles of the Children's Act (Act 38 of 2005), the model recognises that children thrive best in safe, stable family environments within their own communities.
When temporary removal from home is necessary, children are placed with suitable families in their community while support is provided to help their family overcome challenges and prepare for reunification.
By working with local families, organisations, and community partners, the Khusela model promotes child safety, strengthens families, and helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a caring and supportive environment.
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A CeaseFire, Hanover Park Network Partner...
A Public Health Approach To Public Safety
CeaseFire is an evidence-based violence prevention programme that applies a public health approach to reducing violence. Rather than viewing violence solely as a criminal justice issue, CeaseFire recognises it as a learned behaviour that can be prevented through proven intervention strategies, much like the spread of a disease.
The programme has achieved measurable success in communities across the world by reducing, and in many cases ending, gang-related shootings. Hanover Park is the first community in South Africa to implement the CeaseFire model, offering a transformative opportunity to break the cycle of violence and build safer communities.
Our Three-Pillar Approach
CeaseFire's model is built on three interconnected pillars:
- Interrupt the transmission of violence
- Identify and support those at highest risk
- Change community norms around violence.
A Public Health Approach To Public Safety
CeaseFire is an evidence-based violence prevention programme that applies a public health approach to reducing violence. Rather than viewing violence solely as a criminal justice issue, CeaseFire recognises it as a learned behaviour that can be prevented through proven intervention strategies, much like the spread of a disease.
The programme has achieved measurable success in communities across the world by reducing, and in many cases ending, gang-related shootings. Hanover Park is the first community in South Africa to implement the CeaseFire model, offering a transformative opportunity to break the cycle of violence and build safer communities.
Our Three-Pillar Approach
CeaseFire's model is built on three interconnected pillars:
- Interrupt the transmission of violence
- Identify and support those at highest risk
- Change community norms around violence
1. Interrupt the Transmission of Violence
Violence can spread through retaliation and ongoing conflict. CeaseFire interrupts this cycle by deploying trained Violence Interrupters who identify potentially lethal conflicts before they escalate.
These trusted community members use specialised conflict mediation techniques to prevent violence and de-escalate tensions. They are carefully selected because they have strong relationships within the community and credibility among individuals most at risk. Many have overcome challenging pasts—including previous gang involvement or incarceration—and now serve as positive role models committed to creating safer neighbourhoods.
Violence Interrupters receive extensive training in conflict identification, mediation, crisis intervention, and personal safety, enabling them to work effectively in high-risk environments.
2. Identify and Support Those at Highest Risk
CeaseFire's outreach programme focuses on individuals who are at the greatest risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence.
Dedicated Outreach Workers build long-term mentoring relationships with programme participants, meeting with them several times each week. They encourage non-violent decision-making, provide consistent guidance, and connect participants with essential support services, including:
- Employment and job-readiness programmes
- Education and skills development
- Substance abuse counselling
- Social and community support services
Outreach Workers are also available during critical moments when participants are most vulnerable to returning to violent or criminal behaviour. By offering trusted support and practical assistance, they help individuals make lasting positive changes.
3. Change Community Norms
Long-term reductions in violence require a shift in the beliefs and behaviours that allow violence to persist.
CeaseFire works to create a culture where violence is no longer accepted as a normal response to conflict. This is achieved by ensuring consistent, positive messages are delivered throughout the community by trusted voices.
Community norm change is supported through:
- Public education and awareness campaigns
- Community events promoting peace and safety
- Immediate community responses following incidents of violence
- Community mobilisation and local partnerships
Together, these initiatives strengthen the message that violence is preventable and that peaceful conflict resolution benefits everyone.
Supporting the Model
Three additional components are essential to the successful implementation of the CeaseFire programme.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Continuous monitoring, data collection, and performance evaluation enable the programme to measure outcomes, identify emerging trends, and continually improve its effectiveness.
Comprehensive Training
All staff receive extensive initial training before beginning field work, followed by regular refresher courses and ongoing professional development. Frequent team meetings ensure that best practices are shared and intervention strategies remain effective.
Hospital Partnerships
CeaseFire partners with local hospitals to receive timely notifications when victims of gun violence are admitted to emergency departments. This rapid response allows trained staff to intervene quickly—often while the victim is still receiving treatment—to help prevent retaliation and reduce the risk of further violence.