Trained “interrupters” will work in communities to prevent gun violence before it happens, under a new program launched today, April 11, in Halifax Regional Municipality.
The CeaseFire program, created by the University of Illinois School of Public Health, brings outreach workers, community and faith leaders, police and public agencies together to reduce gun violence.
The federal government is providing more than $2 million toward the program, which will be run by the Community Justice Society.
“Gun violence takes a high toll on families and neighbourhoods, and it’s up to all of us working together to move youth away from violence,” said Justice Minister Lena Diab. “I want to thank the federal government for its support and Halifax’s community leaders for showing determination to address gun violence, and leading the way to bring CeaseFire to Nova Scotia.”
In 2012, government and police agencies met with about 80 community and faith leaders and youth who determined CeaseFire was a potential solution to gun violence in Halifax. Nova Scotia is the first Canadian province to adopt the program, which is used around the world.
“The Community Justice Society is delighted and excited to have the opportunity to be part of this unique project,” said executive director Yvonne Atwell. “The model combines science and street outreach to track where violence is heating up and then cool the situation down. The ultimate goal is to save lives, and we believe that this project will have a positive impact on our communities.”
CeaseFire uses multiple services to help steer youth away from violence, including trained outreach workers, mentoring services, mental health and employment supports, and community reconciliation circles.
BROADCAST COPY:
Trained “interrupters” will work in Halifax communities to
prevent gun violence before it happens under a new program
introduced today (April 11th).
CeaseFire, created by the University of Illinois, brings
police, community and public agencies together to reduce gun
violence.
The federal government is providing more than 2-million
dollars toward the program, which will be run by the Community
Justice Society.
Justice Minister Lena Diab thanked community leaders for
their determination to address gun violence and leading the way
to bring CeaseFire to Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia is the first province in Canada with the
program, which is used around the world.
Source: Release
