We Know How to Prevent Violence
Re: Focus in Chicago: Students at Risk of Violence (October 7, 2009), Chicago's plan to focus on youth at risk, instead of relying solely on law enforcement measures, accurately reflects what we know is true: violence is preventable.
Preventing violence takes a comprehensive approach. That means focusing on entire communities, rather than just individuals, and working to build resilience from an early age. It requires collaboration from schools, public health, and economic development agencies, in addition to law enforcement.
Chicago's tragedy underscores the need for cities across the Country to focus their attention on this epidemic of violence. To do this, we must abide by the conviction that violence is preventable and that we need strong leadership, evidence-informed strategies, and upfront investment, all in the name of saying, The Violence Stops Now.
Rachel Davis, MSW
Director, Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth (UNITY)
