Violence Prevention

Interpersonal violence – including physical, sexual, psychological, and deprivation or neglect – is a pervasive and complex social problem with serious impacts and consequences for individuals and society.

 Interpersonal violence can be prevented when communities work together in partnership to develop effective responses and to address the root causes of violence.

Since 2006, the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council has engaged in research, planning, and initiatives to prevent and reduce interpersonal violence.

For example:

Reducing Violence by Enhancing Human and Social Development – A 40-Year Plan for Waterloo Region (2006)  aka 40-Year Violence Prevention Plan

• While responding to violent crime is an essential element of violence reduction and
  supporting victims of violence will continue to be a priority, programs that reduce
  violence and recidivism are by far the most cost-effective strategy in long-term violence
  reduction.

The Missing Pieces: An Assessment of Service Gaps and Assets for Offenders and Victims of Interpersonal Violence in Waterloo Region (2010)

•  Addresses gaps in services for victims and offenders of interpersonal violence

From One System to Another: Crossover Children in Waterloo Region (2012)

• Addresses the needs of children and youth who are involved in the child welfare system and are subsequently charged with a crime

Currently, we are developing a framework to measure, monitor and report on interpersonal violence in Waterloo Region and to support the prevention of interpersonal violence.