Justice Education Society of British Columbia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2010

New Website Aims to Stop Gang Violence

GangPrevention.ca: Get the Real Facts About Gangs and Crime Prevention in BC

Vancouver, BC – GangPrevention.ca launched today, giving British Columbians resources to prevent youth from joining gangs.

GangPrevention.ca aims to prevent youth involvement in gang activity by distributing information and resources to parents, teachers and the youth. These resources de-glamourize the gang lifestyle and show youth the reality of gangs – a life of violence, drugs and criminal activity.

“Educating youth and their families about the perils of gang life is critical to keeping our children out of gangs and organized crime,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “This new website showcases efforts to curb gang activity from schools and communities across B.C., as part of the provincial gang prevention strategy. It also provides a single point of entry for current, useful resources on gang prevention for youth, parents, teachers, caregivers and the public.”

The website features two sections. Youth, families and communities can access over 30 resources, including Steering Kids Away From Gangs: What Parents Need to Know, numerous videos that teach youth about the realities of being in a gang, and a Community Crime Prevention guide.

Teachers and service providers can also access dozens of resources, such as a BC Gangs 101 webinar and Strength-based Approaches to Youth Gang Prevention in BC.

Additionally, the website features a list of service organizations that can help those affected by or at risk of gang involvement, such as crisis lines, victim services and police agencies. There is also a list of events focused on issues related to gangs.

“When youth visit this website they will find a wealth of information that will hopefully persuade them not to join a gang if they have been approached to do so,” said Rick Craig, executive director of the Justice Education Society. “It’s also important to provide resources for parents and teachers who spend a lot of time with these youth and can see the warning signs they exhibit before making choices that can lead them down this dangerous path.”

Designed and developed by the Justice Education Society, GangPrevention.ca is supported by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Community Assessment and Action Networks (CAANs) across BC. CAANs consist of service providers who work collaboratively to address youth gang violence and involvement in gangs.

About the Justice Education Society
Established in 1989, the Justice Education Society is dedicated to improving access to the justice system through hands-on, targeted, two-way education between the public and those working in the system.

The Society has created over 100 programs and resources, operates more than 25 websites and has introduced over one million British Columbians to their province’s justice system.

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For more information please contact Rick Craig at 604.612.7585 or Rick.Craig(at)JusticeEducation.ca.