Building safer communities - - Issue 9 (Fall 2005)

Fall 2005

Back issues from our archive

Contents

Under the Radar

By Robin Barcham, Communication Officer, NCPS

Dr. Sue McIntyre is an international advocate, educator, therapist, and researcher for youth that have been sexually abused. Her current research -- Under the Radar: The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men -- focuses on the needs and issues surrounding young males in the sex trade, an area in which Canadian research has been quite limited.

Q: What is the nature of your research efforts, why do you think it’s important, and how does it fit into other research efforts?

A: In 1991-1992, I interviewed 50 young people involved in the sexual exploitation trade in downtown Calgary. Many that I knew as small children with histories of abuse were now entering the street trade. However, it was not clear whether all young people in the sexual exploitation trade had been sexually abused, or whether those unfortunate enough to be sexually abused ended up in the trade.

It was for this reason that I completed in-depth research entitled, The Youngest Profession -- The Oldest Oppression. This study showed that of the 41 females and nine males interviewed, well over three-quarters had experienced sexual abuse prior to their entrance into the trade. As a result, the City of Calgary started to view youth involvement in prostitution as a form of sexual abuse.

I watched the City and Province embrace this paradigm shift, which resulted in policy, legislative, and program changes. This shift was slowly spreading across the country and the term youth prostitution was replaced with the term sexual exploitation.

It was during this time I often wondered what had happened to the participants in my original study. Were they still alive? Were they helped? Could they have been helped sooner or even prevented from entering the street?

One evening in 2001 (10 years later) I met with one of the participants from the original study. She asked me “How come when our lives were lousy you asked us so many questions, and now our lives are good, you ask us nothing?” It was this challenge and a desire to close the chapter on the lives of these 50 young people that created the energy for Strolling Away. [Editor’s Note: Strolling Away is a study that looked at 41 of the former 50 participants, where they were now and what their lives were like].

Q: What made you want to focus on young males in this current research?

A: When I began Strolling Away, I came across two young men who were part of the original study (The Youngest Profession -- The Oldest Oppression). They said to me, “Sue, we’d love to talk to you again and tell you what happened in the last 10 years of our life, but why do you keep asking us chick questions?”

I went back to review my questions, and realized they were geared towards young females. I also noticed that my research included a limited number of male participants.

I decided I had a responsibility to tell their story, independent of young women and not presume that the exploitation of males and females is the same. The findings in Strolling Away also called for a national research study on males involved in the sexual exploitation trade.

The Alberta government took a lead role in funding Under the Radar: The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men, which looked at the sexual exploitation of males in Edmonton and Calgary. The findings in Alberta have been completed and released. B.C. findings are due for release later this year. The study is in the early stages in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which would provide a full picture of this issue for Western Canada.

Q: What are some of the differences between risk factors for males and females that contribute to their entry to the sex trade? To their exiting?

A: In my previous research, Strolling Away, there was some evidence that males tend to enter at younger ages (at age 12), while females entered at age 14. A background of sexual violation may be a risk factor but not in every case. In Strolling Away, 82% of females had a background of sexual violation and 78% experienced physical abuse. All nine of the males in that study experienced sexual violation and physical abuse prior to the street.

However, in the more recent study, Under the Radar, close to three quarters of the 37 interviewed reported a history of sexual violation prior to the street.

All nine of the males in the study experienced sexual and physical abuse prior to the street. Not all the young men in the Alberta sample reported a history of sexual abuse. Close to three quarters of the 37 interviewed in Alberta reported a history of sexual abuse prior to the street. However, we are not finding this in the current study, Under the Radar: The Sexual Explotation of Young Men.

I think one of the biggest factors for exiting the street is the support systems that are available. When a young woman has a baby, this opens up a whole support system, where the family or state comes into play -- males do not have this opportunity.

Q: What are some of the services to help young males exit the sex trade?

A: The current study will allow us to hear from young men about the types of services and supports they need.

Q: How do we encourage Canadians to take responsibility for sexual exploitation?

A: Here’s a paraphrased quote from one of the male participants: “Please do not ignore us, but take the time to look at us, and listen to what we have to say. We’re there.”

We also need to understand and learn more about sexual exploitation. Take a close look at what is going on in your community -- it’s all around us -- but it’s just not as obvious as young women in the trade.

People also need to understand there’s no gender bias in sexual exploitation. It’s not gender specific, nor does it depend on sexual orientation. These young males are at risk -- early research findings suggest they’re in the trade longer, and they’re moving around the country. We need to find them and offer support and assistance.

• The project, Under the Radar: The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men, is funded in part through the National Crime Prevention Strategy.
• More information on Strolling Away
• Dr. Sue McIntyre can be contacted at drsmcintyre@shaw.ca

Letter from the editors

In 2004, the National Crime Prevention Strategy commissioned EKOS Research Associates to conduct a study on the views Canadians hold regarding crime, victimization and crime prevention (for the survey, 1,500 Canadians were interviewed by phone).

In many instances, the perceptions and attitudes of Canadians have not shifted a great deal since 2000, when EKOS undertook its first survey on the National Strategy’s behalf (see Building Safer Communities, Issue 1 ). As before, crime and victimization issues continue to elicit varied responses, in equal turns optimistic or pessimistic, rational or emotional, but always intensely human.

Here, we want to highlight a few interesting points, and, in the stories that follow, counterpose these numbers with the work of Canadians striving to reduce crime.

The study, titled Canadian Attitudes Towards Crime Prevention, found that in general, Canadians continue to be fearful of crime, or rather the threat of being victimized, even though the overall crime rate has been falling (and where, by admission, about one-fifth of Canadians experience property crime while only four percent experience violent crime annually).

Theories abound about this disconnect; it is posited, on the one hand, that Canadians, fuelled by 24/7 media, have an inflated sense of vulnerability or, say others, Canadians are canny enough to see beyond the narrow confines of police-reported statistics to understand the “real” extent of crime. Whether better or worse than perceived, the problem of crime is an issue that needs to be addressed, and Canadians are working towards solutions.

When asked about a variety of approaches to crime, the top four responses all involved crime prevention aimed at youth, such as literacy programs, early childhood intervention, youth recreation and parenting workshops. In this issue we’re profiling a project that does exactly this -- the Wapikoni mobile in Northern Quebec. A mobile video studio, the project aims to empower Aboriginal youth to give voice to their dreams and realities, while teaching them transferable job skills.

On the same theme, close to three quarters of Canadians would favor an approach to crime that offers youth opportunities to get involved in positive activities, such as training and rehabilitation, instead of imposing tougher sentences. The Youth Court Advisory Panel in Nunavut, which you can read about on page five is using this approach to the advantage of Nunavut’s young people.

According to the survey, roughly half of Canadians believe that crime prevention programs are very effective, and in our feature, Making It Work, you can see for yourself just how Canadians are making a difference across Canada, from Whitehorse in the Yukon to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In what is our final reference to the study, it is worth noting that most Canadians believe that the primary benefit of crime prevention is the improved health and well-being of children and youth. In her study, Under the Radar: The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men, Dr. Sue McIntyre looks at the factors involved in getting male sex trade workers off the streets. Starting in the ‘trade’ at an average age of 13, these boys have a different reality than female sex trade workers and consequently need different tools and assistance.

In addition to these articles, you’ll find features, interviews and our regular column, By the numbers.

The Editors

Continuing to build on our strengths

On February 23, 2005, the federal government delivered Budget 2005, which included funding of over $1 billion to help secure the safety and well-being of Canadians. Notably, Budget 2005 renews a previous enhancement to the National Crime Prevention Strategy, by providing $30 million for each of the next three years, in addition to the base funding of $32 million per year to support community-based crime prevention initiatives.

Through the National Strategy, the federal government works with various stakeholders to support community-based initiatives that, together, will keep building a safe and healthy Canada. Since its launch in 1998, the Strategy has successfully worked in partnership with more than 918 community safety and crime prevention organizations from all across Canada, on over 4,620 projects.

As the former Minister of Justice and as the current Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Anne McLellan has always been a strong advocate of the National Crime Prevention Strategy.

Minister McLellan was pleased with the additional funding committed in Budget 2005, emphasizing that the Strategy will continue to work with Canadians to build safer communities. “I believe it is very important to tackle the root causes of crime and victimization by building strong partnerships at every level of society, and with every level of government,” said the Minister. “The Strategy does just that.”

Peaceful warriors

By Erin Priddle, NCPS

Imagine growing up in a place where a majority of young men have a greater chance of being incarcerated than graduating from high school. According to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), this is the daily reality for young Aboriginal males in Saskatchewan. It is no wonder that gangs, perceived to offer a sense of family and acceptance to adolescents who may lack what others take for granted, are flourishing in Saskatchewan. Helping to counter this trend is the FSIN’s Alter-Natives to Non-Violence program.

Since its inception in 2003, the project has sought to foster a more peaceful way of life among Aboriginal youth grounded in their cultural values. To counteract the sense of belonging that gangs provide, the project has helped youth to explore and celebrate their Aboriginal culture. In 2002, it hosted a Youth Cultural Camp. One hundred youth between the ages of 11 to 18 participated in ceremonies, such as traditional wake-up songs, as well as workshops with elders and other role-models.

“Through cultural teachings and elders who work with us, the kids begin to understand that a warrior is someone who really protects and respects people. The solution (to gang activity) is to have a very strong cultural context. An Indian way of life skills,” says Cal Albright, former Program Manager.

Adolescence can be a confusing time for anyone -- it often means trying to fit into a group while at the same time expressing individual differences and taking risks. As a result, many young people are vulnerable to the allure of gangs. To prevent participation in gang activity, the Alter-Natives to Non-Violence project looks to build bridges between young people and their community.

“Our people are generally in a state of poverty. Aboriginal youth come from a generation of being marginalized. So these youth today are expressing that marginalization by joining gangs,” says Albright.

“To counter this they [youth] need to feel attached to the community. That’s why our attachment process has to include cultural education.” says Albright.

This is no quick fix: it’s a comprehensive approach. The Alter-Natives project harnesses a wide range of community involvement: police, government organizations that work with children, justice youth workers, tribal council workers, parents, the education system and youth.

The Alter-Natives to Non-Violence project has focused on gang-proofing 15,000 youth by 2007. It is an ambitious goal but already, through its information sessions with parents and teachers and its exit strategies for youth gang members, Alter-Natives to Non-Violence is helping youth avoid gangs in Saskatchewan.

Gangs 101: Real strategies for addressing gangs

By Jamie Burke, NCPS

Music videos romanticizing the “gangsta” image, films like “Boyz N the Hood” and “Gangs of New York”, and newspaper headlines that often equate youth crime to gang activity suggest that youth gangs occupy a sturdy perch in our popular culture and mainstream media.

On the one hand, these depictions feed fears in our communities about youth violence and gang activity. At the same time, the popular use of gang trappings and imagery only muddies distinctions between “fashion” and anti-social, often criminal, behaviour.

This popularization of gang culture raises the more important issue of what communities can do to prevent their youth from becoming involved in gang activity.

According to Staff Sergeant Dave Saunders from the Community Programs -- Youth Services Division of the Toronto Police Service, the first step is to understand the gang in your community, if there is one. How is the gang organized? What crimes are they committing? When are they committing the crimes? “A gang is doing something criminal. They are not just hanging around. Remember that criminal behaviour can be intimidation or harassment.”

With a proper understanding of the local gang, Saunders suggests the next step is to understand the issues facing the youth that would lead them to find gang involvement attractive. “Is it a housing issue? Is it an employment issue? Is it fear of personal safety?” Causes that can contribute to gang involvement include family poverty, child abuse or neglect, drug, alcohol or solvent abuse, or homelessness and economic opportunity through criminal enterprise, and lack of positive role models.

“Through cultural teachings and elders who work with us, the kids begin to understand that a warrior is someone who really protects and respects people. The solution (to gang activity) is to have a very strong cultural context. An Indian way of life skills,” says Cal Albright, former Program Manager. Adolescence can be a confusing time for anyone -- it often means trying to fit into a group while at the same time expressing individual differences and taking risks. As a result, many young people are vulnerable to the allure of gangs. To prevent participation in gang activity, the Alter-Natives to Non-Violence project looks to build bridges between young people and their community. “Our people are generally in a state of poverty. Aboriginal youth come from a generation of being marginalized. So these youth today are expressing that marginalization by joining gangs,” says Albright. “To counter this they [youth] need to feel attached to the community. That’s why our attachment process has to include cultural education.” says Albright.

Depending on what the causes are, solutions can then be developed. These solutions should be guided by partnerships in the community. As Saunders says, “…change can happen if the religious leaders, the leaders of public health, of the school, parks and recreation, (and others) sit down at the table and coordinate their efforts.”

In order to create lasting change, Saunders contends that there is a need to foster an environment where at-risk youth choose not to join gangs so as not to be ostracized by their peers. “The solution to anything is to change the behaviour of the participants. Gang behaviour has to be seen as totally uncool.”

And that message must be unfailing. Saunders believes that “...peers and parents can’t waver, the message has to be consistent. There is no future in being a gang member.”

“Look Deeper”

By Tracy Jasmins, Communications Coordinator, Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council of Waterloo Region

With the implementation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act on April 1, 2003, the Community Safety & Crime Prevention Council (CS&CPC;) of Waterloo Region wanted to ensure that the public received this new legislation with an open mind. To this end the CS&CPC; launched a campaign in 2000, to promote the value young people bring to our society. Entitled “Look Deeper”, and created on a pro bono basis by Quarry Integrated Communications, this campaign is a reminder for adults to look beyond the stereotypes generally associated with young people and to recognize youth as a time of change, opportunity and strength.

Posters, newspaper ads, bus boards and television commercials have all helped to empower the citizens of Waterloo Region to think positively about young people. The campaign openly acknowledges young people’s strengths, wisdom and worth. The “Look Deeper” campaign has captured the imagination of schools, businesses, faith and community groups and private citizens across the Waterloo Region. While the reach and impact of this message is not easily quantified, requests for the campaign material show that it resonates with old and young, professionals and volunteers, and formal and informal organizations coast to coast.

“This campaign is part of our approach to understanding and reducing crime and victimization in our communities,” said Christiane Sadeler, Manager, Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council. “We are getting calls from teachers, ministers, parents and young people asking for copies of the posters and relating stories about how they have been affected by the campaign. The impact and feedback has been simply overwhelming and we are hopeful that it will make a real difference in how people think about youth and crime prevention through social development.”

Campaign posters are in increasing demand and short supply -- leading the CS&CPC; to produce a CD containing the campaign material for easier distribution to interested groups and organizations. The Council is keen to share with other communities the success of this campaign and the CDs are available at cost.

Printing the campaign material from CDs allows organizations to add their own logo and message of support. The material can also be viewed at www.preventingcrime.net with PDF files and television public service announcements available to download.

• For more information on this and other work of the Waterloo Region Community Safety & Crime Prevention Council visit:
  www.preventingcrime.net or call their Resource Place at (519) 883-2304.

Justice for youth, by youth

By Marcel Penton, Young People’s Press

In Iqaluit, Nunavut, youth who break the law may find themselves in court facing not just a judge but also a panel of their peers who may determine their punishment.

The Youth Court Advisory Panel, consisting of six to twelve young adults, ages fourteen to eighteen, volunteer their time in the courtroom by listening to a charged youth’s case and proposing suggestions for sentencing. The Iqaluit youth panel model is based on similar panels successfully established in Hay River, Fort Smith and Inuvik, NT.

Senior Judge Bev Browne of the Nunavut Court of Justice created the idea of a youth panel for youth hearings. Doing something different, like having youth participate in sentencing, can be difficult and risky, she says. Spokesperson John Aglukark with the group’s recommendations, accompanied by Dino Kigusiutnar.

“But I am always looking for interesting ideas like the youth panel to make the justice system better for everyone,” she says.

Panel members often know the offenders, says Inuksuk High School student and panel member Brendan Doherty, 17, of Iqaluit.

“Most of (the panel) knew what was going on in (the offender’s) life because we are the same age, and that can help,” he says. “However if anyone on the panel is uncomfortable because they know the person, then they don’t have to participate.”

Nearly three years ago, Doherty heard of the Youth Court Advisory Panel from a friend at school. Realizing this opportunity would allow him to learn more about law, he became one of the first members on the panel at the Nunavut Court of Justice. “Panel participants learn so much about the law. Many end up feeling like they need to do more,” says teacher and high school youth panel co-ordinator Angela Ford. “We bring in guest speakers (to the classroom) from the court and they talk about the law and the judicial process. They also train the panel, telling them about proper courtroom behaviour and what’s expected of them,” Ford says.

Approximately every two months, the youth panel participates in court, hearing a case or two at a time. The panel only convenes on cases where youth plead guilty. Participants of this program assemble in the jury box where they listen to the youth and the Crown attorney. Following the hearing, members gather in the jury room to discuss the case and what appropriate sentence should be suggested to the judge.

In many cases, the judge will invite a youth panel member to speak directly to the youth on trial.

"We suggest options like probation, curfew, community service, or going back to school if they are not in school. We try to stay away from putting (the youth) in a young offender centre,” Doherty says.

“When we see someone our age… we probably know what’s going on with them, it’s better than if the judge just decides without knowing the whole story. And older people may not be able to relate to the youth like we can,” he says. Ford claims, “Many times the panel suggests that the youth in trouble pair up with a mature adult active in the community. I think it’s a wonderful idea in the best interest of the youth in question.”

“I think that also demonstrates that the youths sitting on the panel have a high level of maturity. Their insight is impressive,” continues Ford.

In Arviat, Nunavut, population 2,300, a similar youth panel exists.

Cassandra Evaloakjuk, 15, a panel member in the Arviat court for the past six months, heard about the panel created last September from her high school counsellor.

“Ever since I was little I wanted to do something in law,” Evaloakjuk says, adding that she plans to pursue law school after completing an undergraduate degree.

All too often today’s youth pay little attention to their traditions and culture and need to have more exposure to it, according to Evaloakjuk. She is glad to see community elders also involved in the courtroom process in Arviat. “I think it is a great idea for elders to be there, so that the youth don’t feel as scared and alone.”

Doherty and Evaloakjuk agree youth need to feel included, involved and welcomed in their community, as well as being recognized as valuable and loved.

“All of the credit for the success of the sentencing panel has to go to the youth and the teachers involved,” Browne says. “They have done an excellent job.”

“The adults here see that we, as youth, can do a lot. The lawyers tell us that they’re impressed with our suggestions. They’ve said ‘I never would have thought of that’,” Doherty claims.”

Interview with "Harry"

By Robin Barcham, NCPS

“Harry” is a pseudonym for a former sexually exploited youth. He has worked with Sue MacIntyre and sat down to share his thoughts and insights into sexual exploitation in Canada.

Q: How did you get involved in the sexual exploitation trade, and later Strolling Away?

A: It was a Saturday afternoon and I was on my way to drop off money for a paper route. I was only twelve years old. I decided to stop at the local arcade to play some video games and ended up spending all the money I had earned, and all the money for the paper route. I just knew it was not going to be a good situation when I got home. Shortly after, I met a guy who invited me back to his apartment to play video games. That was the first day that I traded my body for money, and it was the first time I tried cocaine and stuff.

Six years later, I moved to Calgary and was able to get a job at a youth shelter. This is where I got involved with helping youth at-risk. I met Sue McIntyre at a local agency and became a participant in the studies, Strolling Away and Under the Radar: The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men.

Q: What was your experience like in the sex trade?

A: My experience was horrifying. I was sexually assaulted everyday and sometimes two or three times a day. The damage this does is very serious and the pain leads to Interview with “Harry” by Robin Barcham, NCPS many other things. And the reality is, you can’t walk into a youth program and tell someone that you have sex with men for money, especially when you are only fifteen years old. There is a lot of shame involved in this type of activity. I never had anyone to talk to about it and no one to help me. There were no programs or services specifically for boys available and truthfully they’re still far and few between. I think we have put a lot of resources and energy into helping young girls in the trade, but now we need to focus on helping young boys, and recognizing that both are victims of sexual exploitation.

Q: How can we prevent young males from becoming involved in the sex trade?

A: We need to educate teachers, community organizations, and professionals about young boys in the sex trade. We also need to raise awareness and create an understanding that sexual exploitation extends to males, not just young women.

Also, people can be homophobic and do not want to talk about the issue. We have created a society that is afraid to talk about the abuse and victimization of these boys. We need to raise awareness so people are comfortable talking about it. If we break down these barriers, young boys will have more opportunities and support networks they need.

Also, there needs to be an understanding of the issues around sexuality. For example, there are gay boys in the trade, and there are boys that are gay for pay, which means boys that are not gay but will be for pay. Service providers need to understand these issues around sexuality so they can be sensitive to boys in the trade. I do these types of interviews, so that people are aware of the issues and are sensitive towards young boys in the trade.

Q: How do we encourage Canadians to take responsibility, through their own actions and behaviours into the sexual exploitation of men in the trade?

A: We need to talk about the issue and raise awareness. We also need to take action; creating safe spaces for boys to come forward, encouraging organizations to do in-house training and outreach, and helping Canadians take a stand. Canadians taking responsibility means challenging each other and the media about attitudes and values. People have this impression that kids are doing this for enjoyment, for the money, the drugs and sex. In reality, they are in the trade because they have few other options.

National Crime Prevention Centre Library

The National Crime Prevention Centre (NCPC) library holdings include over 3,000 reference tools, periodicals, and other materials such as videos and games related to crime prevention. Our collection is specific to crime prevention and victimization -- but also includes resources on the criminal justice system and various social problems such as poverty, family violence and intimidation.

The library is available to researchers, students and crime prevention specialists by appointment only. A personalized reference service is offered in both official languages. The library offers interlibrary loans, on-site consultations and the viewing of audio-visual material.

The NCPC library is located at 222 Queen Street in Ottawa, Ontario. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ET)

Before making an appointment, we suggest that you consult our online catalogue at
www.prevention.gc.ca/en/library/catalogue/index.asp.
To make an appointment, please contact:
Toll-free: 1 877 302-6272,
e-mail: info@prevention.gc.ca

New publications available at the NCPC Library

Understanding Abuse: Partnering For Change -- Stirling, Mary Lou, editor; Cameron, Catherine Ann, editor; Nason-Clark, Nancy, editor; Miedema, Baukje, editor. -- Toronto: University of Toronto Press, c2004, 326 p.

• Based on research projects conducted over ten years, Understanding Abuse profiles the work done by researchers of issues related to woman abuse and family violence.

The Victimization Of Children: Emerging Issues -- Marquart, James W. (James Walter); Mullings, Janet L.; Hartley, Deborah J. -- New York: Haworth Press, 2004, 330 p.

I Wrote On All Four Walls: Teens Speak Out On Violence -- Fearnley, Fran -- Toronto: Annick Press, 2004, 144 p.

• I Wrote on all Four Walls collects the harrowing stories of nine contemporary teenagers who have witnessed, been the victim of, or instigated acts of violence… sometimes all three. In their own words, these teens offer thoughtful testimony on how such experiences have impacted on their lives, and their choices in dealing with those repercussions. It includes an afterword by youth services specialist Dr. Fred Matthews, an internationally respected authority on teen violence. Dr. Matthews explores how both victims and perpetrators can come to terms with violent events and gain control of their lives.

Issues In School Violence Research -- Furlong, Michael J. -- Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press, c2004, 177 p.

• “Co-published simultaneously as Journal of school violence, Volume 3, Numbers 2/3 2004”.

Bullied To Death -- New York: Arts & Entertainment Television Networks, c2000, 1 videocassette (50 min.) Bullied to Death looks at the pain and loneliness caused by bullying and how children often react destructively, either by turning the rage inward or by retaliating with lethal violence against their tormenters.

Bullying, Peer Harassment, and Victimization In The Schools: The Next Generation Of Prevention -- Elias, Maurice J.; Zins, Joseph E. -- New York: Haworth Press, c2003, 205 p.: ill.; 23 cm.

Crime Prevention: Facts, Fallacies, and The Future -- Shaftoe, Henry -- New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004, 246 p.

• This lively and thought-provoking book aims to get to the core of the debates surrounding the prevention of crime. Taking an inter-disciplinary approach to this complex topic, it illustrates the key role to be played in the prevention of crime by a number of professions such as housing managers, planners, teachers, youth workers, social workers, health visitors and, equally importantly, by lay citizens.

Culture, Peers, and Delinquency -- O’Donnell, Clifford R. -- New York, NY: Haworth Press, c2003, 92 p.

Handbook of School Violence -- Gerler, Edwin R. -- New York: Haworth Reference Press, c2004, 368 p.

• This essential handbook explores the causes of school violence, presents state-of-the-art information on preventing it, and arms you with practical interventions to use when violent incidents occur. You’ll also learn about the best Internet sites on school violence issues. This book -- prepared by the editor of the Journal of School Violence -- can help you decrease the chances of tragedy. It will also show you how to respond effectively when violence does occur.

Lessons learned

This year, the National Crime Prevention Centre is sponsoring a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice (CJCCJ) on the general theme of crime prevention.

In support of knowledge and evidence-based approaches to crime prevention, the National Crime Prevention Centre is pleased to present a contribution to the special edition of the Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice (April, 2005). Building Safer Communities: Lessons Learned From Canada’s National Strategy by Lucie Léonard, Giselle Rosario, Carolyn Scott, and Jessica Bressan, all from the NCPC.

The purpose of this article is to discuss emerging trends in the development and implementation of locally based action directed on the results gleaned from the research and evaluation of specific community-based projects that have been supported under the National Crime Prevention Strategy. Results from some of the projects indicate reductions in offending, improved school attendance and academic achievement, decreased levels of violence and aggression, increased pro-social behaviours, and improved community safety. Despite the considerable progress, many challenges remain in the development of individual and community-based safety initiatives.

The contributions to this special issue on national and international perspectives will stimulate conversations and debates in this area, and perhaps even spur initiatives that will help us do a better job of delivering on the promises of prevention.

This special edition of the Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice is the result of a collaborative effort among the University of Ottawa, the International Crime Prevention Centre and the University of Toronto Press.

Copies of this Special Issue of the Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice can be obtained by calling the NCPC info line at 1-877-302-6272 or by e-mail at: info@prevention.gc.ca.

References

¹ Maria Lironi, Inside the Hidden Trade, http://ring.uvic.ca/01nov01/sex-trade.html

² Ibid

^3,4,5 Dr. Susan McIntyre, Strolling Away, Department of Justice Canada, http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/rs/rep/rr2002-4a.html

⁶ Statistics Canada, The Daily, http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/031001/d031001a.htm

⁷ Ibid

⁸ City of Toronto, What We Know About Crime and Fear in Toronto, http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/safety/sftyrprt2.htm

^9,10 Josée Savoie, Homicide in Canada, 2002; Juristat Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics; Statistics Canada vol. 23, no.8. pg. 5

¹¹ Nicole Soullière, Youth and Gangs: Various Views, Random and Varied Strategies, Research Centre, Canada Police College 1998, pg. 48

The Wapikoni Mobile: On the road to success

By Sonia Tengelsen and Sophie Cléroux, NCPS

In 2002, the Attikamek community of Wemotaci, Quebec, woke up to the news that Wapikoni Awashish, a young 20-year-old community leader, had been struck and killed by a truck. The community was profoundly shaken at the loss of a role model who routinely volunteered to help youth and the elderly and actively participated in the creation of a youth centre and a childcare service.

She was “terrific -- full of energy and enthusiasm; she talked to everyone, loved everyone, and was a truly generous woman,” recalls filmmaker Manon Barbeau. Shocked and saddened by her death, Ms. Barbeau decided to ensure that Ms. Awashish’s legacy would live on.

The “Wapikoni Mobile” is the result. Roughly 200 young Aboriginal youth are learning filmmaking and digital filmmaking techniques in a mobile studio complete with sophisticated audiovisual equipment that may help them find employment. Staff with filmmaking experience and a sensitivity to the project’s social objectives are on board the Mobile to provide guidance for the participants during the creative process. As well as offering an alternative to the isolation and distress experienced by many youth in Aboriginal communities, it showcases their creativity and talent, allowing them a way to promote their culture in their communities, across Canada, and around the world. Ultimately, it is hoped that the young artists will take charge of the vehicle and run it as a cooperative by, and for, themselves.

“If they can affirm themselves by rediscovering their roots and their culture and sharing this with others while putting it in a modern context, it will open doors for them,” explained Ms. Barbeau. “Through this project, we hope to promote respect and acceptance of the differences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures.”

The project encourages participants to express themselves freely on topics of interest and concern to them, a concept that Ms. Barbeau has already explored, with her project “Vidéo Paradiso”. That initiative saw a group of at-risk youth make a short film, L’Armée de l’Ombre, which won the Gémeaux prize for best documentary.

Allowing young people in difficulty to discover a passion for filmmaking and to commit to goals are hallmarks of both of the projects. These projects offer young participants creative activities to stimulate their passion for film. It is hoped that it will reduce risk factors for crime, such as school drop-out and drug abuse, in communities where suicide and crime rates are very high.

This project’s originality and its creative, educational and social objectives have led many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal partners (including the National Crime Prevention Strategy) to rally around it. Furthermore, it has received support from the band councils in the communities that the vehicle has visited, as well as from the youth council for the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.

The Wapikoni Mobile hit the road on June 17, 2004, with plans to stop in a number of communities throughout the year including: Pikogan, Kitcisakik, Lac-Simon, Wemotaci, Opitciwan and Manawan.

• View the productions created during this tour.

Making it work!

Crime Prevention activities themselves can sound very simple, a question of common sense even, but the work itself, bringing people and groups together, fostering a clear and honest understanding of challenges and opportunities, and keeping people energized and focused, often in difficult circumstances, requires dedication and hard work. Creating real hope and a faith in the future is no mean feat in communities that might have once seen little merit in either.

1. Surrey, British Columbia
   Crime prevention in my community means: A safer community with
   reduced fear of crime and the overall well being of its citizens. Jim King, Executive Director, Surrey Crime Prevention Society
   
2. Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
   Crime Prevention in my community is people supporting our children and youth to succeed. True prevention and intervention work happens at this level. Sandy Pitzel, Prince Albert and Area
   Community Against Family Violence Sponsor for the project HOPE -- Honouring Ourselves and People Everywhere
   
3. Toronto, Ontario
   Crime prevention in my community means that all members of our
   community should become involved in measures that would create an environment where violence would decrease and the community become safer. Rahkiya Topey, Participant Black Action Defense Committee Inc.
   
4. Val-D’Amours, Nouveau-Brunswick
   When you tackle the root causes of crime, the risk factors, you can
   achieve positive, lasting change. This requires changing mentalities and generations. That is what is being done here. Yvette Levesque, La Garderie Les Débrouillards de Val-D’Amours
   
5. Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
   By mobilizing local resources, Perrault Place residents have reduced
   the number of incidents requiring thepolice, improved school attendance and performance, enhanced the life skills of residents and revitalized their community.
   
6. Hay River, Northwest Territories
   Strengthening the social fabric of this community, the Growing Together Society has supported initiatives ranging from activities during Family Violence Awareness week to an after-school program with a focus on conflict resolution and anger management.
   
7. Montréal, Québec
   For me, crime prevention in my community means making young
   people realize the enormous potential they have inside them, inspiring their imaginations and nurturing their ability to see things and events in a way that is as fair as possible. Sylvain Magnan, Co-founder of Institut Kiné-Concept, which accepted a young intern as part of the Polyglobe Program.
   
8. Edmonton, Alberta
   Crime prevention in my community means not only reducing crime, but also reducing fear of crime and providing resources to the
   community. Michelle Fillion, Coordinator, Neighbourhood Empowerment Team
   
9. Mathias Colomb, Manitoba
   Crime prevention in my community is all about building bridges. We
   need strong foundations for those bridges to withstand the storms
   of life. This takes time and this is where our story begins -- building
   partnerships, building character, building community spirit, building
   friendships, building strong families, fixing broken spirits. Valerie Whyte, Coordinator of the Mathias Colomb Youth Drop-In Centre
   
10. Truro, Nova Scotia
    Dalhousie University’s Department of Psychology rigorous evaluations found a 40 percent reduction in rule violations and office referrals in intervention schools which participated in the B/E/S/T program to prevent crime by reducing antisocial behaviour among children.
    
11. Lennox Island First Nation, Prince Edward Island
    Building safer communities starts with building strong families. Take
    the time to “gather together” as family. Days spent together today
    will mean stronger lives, families and communities tomorrow.
    Quote by Mi’kmaq parents of Lennox Island, Mawiomi: Gathering Together Project
    
12. Iqaluit, Nunavut
    The Arctic Youth Art Initiative helps young children express themselves through painting and collage, assisting them to become aware of their own inner gifts, and more resilient, in an environment where respect is fundamental.
    
13. Whitehorse, Yukon
    Crime Prevention in my community means people who have gone
    through hard times learning new skills and starting to feel good about themselves.
    James Babineau, Artist in Residence Project