Media Coverage
Explore recent news stories, interviews, and media features highlighting the work of VPC faculty and trainees. Our initiatives and research are regularly featured in local and national media, providing insight into the critical role we play in violence prevention.
Dr. Alexander, Director of the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center, was featured in a WFAE article exploring the factors contributing to the increase in youth crime in Charlotte. In the interview, Dr. Alexander discusses how contextual elements such as social media, access to firearms, and a lack of positive mentorship opportunities are influencing this troubling […]
Dr. Janne Gaub, a faculty member at the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center, was featured in a recent WSOC-TV article discussing the rigorous process of reviewing police body-worn camera footage. Drawing from her expertise in criminal justice, Dr. Gaub highlighted the extensive time and effort required to analyze footage, particularly in complex investigations such as […]
Dr. Apryl Alexander, Director of the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center, shared evidence-based best practices for addressing youth crime and violence with the Housing, Safety, & Community Committee of the Charlotte City Council. Her recommendations focused on community-driven solutions and preventive strategies to reduce youth involvement in crime. A recap of the meeting is available […]
Ava Peters, a graduate research assistant at the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center, recently contributed an op-ed to The Charlotte Observer discussing the UNC System’s reconsideration of ACT and SAT requirements for admissions. In her thought-provoking piece, Ava explores the implications of standardized testing on equity and access to higher education, advocating for policies that […]
Dr. Meagan Zarwell and PhD student Jesse Elkins from the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center co-authored a compelling op-ed in The Charlotte Observer emphasizing the urgent need for STI prevention through comprehensive sex education in North Carolina. Their piece highlights the importance of equipping young people with accurate information and resources to make informed decisions […]
Ava Peters, a graduate research assistant at the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center, recently authored an op-ed in the Citizen Times advocating for the extension of voting rights to incarcerated individuals. In her article, Ava makes a compelling case for how including these populations in the democratic process can create a more equitable and representative […]
Dr. Apryl Alexander, Director of the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center, appeared on a recent episode of CrimeFeed with Nancy Grace to discuss the troubling trend of violence during Black Friday shopping events. Drawing from her expertise, Dr. Alexander provided insights into the underlying causes of these incidents and strategies to promote safer shopping experiences. […]
The International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP) recently featured Dr. Rob Cramer and colleagues’ 2022 article on self-directed violence (SDV) in correctional settings, published in Psychological Services. Their work introduces a public health solution to address SDV: the Core Competency Model for Corrections (CCM for Corrections), an educational program designed for correctional mental […]
Dr. Alexander was honored to speak at the 2023 National Sexual Assault Conference hosted by ValorUS. She delivered a session titled Culturally Responsive Care as Social Justice Practice and was also featured as one of the closing plenary speakers. For key takeaways from the conference, including insights from Dr. Alexander’s plenary, read the full article […]
Dr. Rob Cramer, Associate Director of Training & Education at the VPC, recently served as a visiting scholar at the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia. During his visit, he delivered two colloquia—at Griffith University and the University of Melbourne—on suicide prevention training for mental health providers and […]
Dr. Apryl Alexander, Director of the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center, was interviewed by the Associated Press to discuss the use of solitary confinement with youth. In the article, Dr. Alexander provides critical insights into the psychological and developmental impacts of this practice and advocates for more humane approaches to juvenile detention. Read the full […]
The UNC Charlotte Division of Research has made bold new investments in innovation by awarding funding and institutional support to 14 centers and pilot centers through the Ignite Centers initiative. The UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center (VPC) is proud to be among the selected recipients, marking an exciting milestone in advancing our mission.