Senseless Violence Leads to Silence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to supporting victims of violent crime, as well as their families, friends, and the communities affected by violence. Our mission is to provide compassionate advocacy, direct services, education, and healing opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and promote resilience in the aftermath of violence.
Through our direct service programs, we help families, communities, and individuals navigate the complex systems that follow a death by gun violence. We provide advocacy and guidance as they interact with the District Attorney's Office, law enforcement agencies, and other victim service systems, ensuring they have access to information, resources, and support throughout the investigative and legal process.
At the heart of our work is Perlia's Purpose, an educational curriculum designed to raise awareness, foster violence prevention, and equip youth, families, and communities with the knowledge and tools to address the impact of violence. Through education, outreach, victim advocacy, and community engagement, we work to break the cycle of violence, promote healing, and create safer, more informed communities where every life is valued.
Senseless Violence Leads to Silence
It all starts with a love.
Senseless Violence Leads to Silence (S.V.L.T.S.) was founded in 2002 following the tragic murder of Asia Bell-James and the serious injury of her husband, Tyrone James. The devastating loss of her daughter and the trauma experienced by their family inspired founder Perlia Bell to create an organization dedicated to ensuring that no family has to face the aftermath of gun violence alone.
Since its founding, S.V.L.T.S. has provided comprehensive, trauma-informed support to survivors and co-victims of gun violence through advocacy, direct services, mental health support, financial assistance, education, and community outreach. The organization works alongside families and individuals as they navigate the challenges that follow a violent loss, including interactions with law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office, victim compensation programs, and other systems that can be overwhelming during times of grief.
In 2023, following the murder of Tyzjuan James ; Perlia Bell's grandson, Asia Bell-James' son, and the youngest brother of CEO Asianique Savage. The organization was restructured as S.V.L.T.S. II to expand its mission and deepen its impact. This next chapter honors the legacy of the Bell-James family while strengthening the organization's commitment to violence prevention, victim advocacy, community healing, and systemic support for those affected by firearm violence.
Today, S.V.L.T.S. II continues to center its work on healing, hope, and prevention through direct services, community partnerships, and Perlia's Purpose, an educational curriculum designed to raise awareness, prevent violence, and empower individuals, families, and communities to create lasting change.