USAID: El Salvador Crime and Violence Prevention Project (CVPP)

The project, which began in March 2013 and concluded in March 2018, targets 55 high and medium-risk municipalities across the country. The project's primary objective is to build ownership among national government, local government, and citizens to address crime and violence prevention at the community level. The project is structured into three components: Component 1, Component 2, and Component 3. Component 1 focuses on increasing the Government of El Salvador's capacity to prevent violence and crime on a national scale. This is achieved through the launch, implementation, and promotion of the National Strategy for Violence Prevention (ENPV) at the municipal level, institutional strengthening of PRE-PAZ and its personnel, and the creation and/or strengthening of Municipal Prevention Committees. Component 2, Municipal-led, community-based crime and violence prevention, involves the selection of 13 municipalities and the establishment of 13 new Municipal Crime and Violence Prevention Committees. The project also focuses on developing the capacity of municipal leaders and community members for prevention, planning, implementation, and analysis. Additionally, it includes the development of youth values and identity, infrastructure for prevention situational awareness, and strengthening of vocational skills and employment opportunities. Component 3, Innovative crime and violence prevention opportunities, aims to identify and support innovative ideas and approaches to crime and violence prevention. This component involves the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan, administration and finance, communications, and the establishment of public-private alliances in selected municipalities. The project has made significant progress in its first year, with the completion and launch of 20 Municipal Prevention Plans and the introduction of a National Quinquennial Prevention Plan. The project has also supported the work of the National Citizen Security Council (NCSC) in 13 high-crime municipalities. Furthermore, the project has provided technical assistance to 14 grantees, including NGOs and foundations, to implement six strategies across 76 communities. The project's achievements are a testament to the commitment of the Government of El Salvador, local government, and citizens to address crime and violence prevention at the community level. The project's success has also been made possible through the collaboration and support of various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, PRE-PAZ, and Municipal Prevention Committees. The project's annual report highlights the major achievements across the three operational components and provides a comprehensive overview of the work being conducted across 76 communities in 13 high-crime municipalities. The report also makes mention of planning processes undertaken to initiate work in the municipality of Ciudad Delgado, where the CVPP will support Plan El Salvador Seguro, the National Citizen Security Council's work plan for at-risk municipalities. Overall, the USAID Crime and Violence Prevention Project (CVPP) has made significant progress in its first year, and its achievements demonstrate the potential for collaborative efforts to address crime and violence prevention at the community level.