Breaking the Cycle of Crime & Violence

By Emily Marisabel

“We need to work together to co-develop interventions that work not only with individuals but with entire communities…Violence is a public health issue not an enforcement issue.” - Temi Mwale

“While crime causes broken relationships, it also flows from broken relationships and communities. Crime occurs within a context of deeper hurts, power imbalances, and unjust structures. Often, we must dig down further to uncover the initial hurts that have been ignored, suppressed or not recognized. We must give these wounds the light, attention and support they need to properly heal.” - Restorative Justice Exchange

“[BLANK] is all about the connections between lives.” - Helen Lewis (British Journalist)

Our society loves labels and categories. We try to put people in discreet categories with the victims on one side and the perpetrators on the other, but reality is much more complicated than that. Acts of violence and crime exist in a cyclical structure where ‘victims’ often become ‘perpetrators’ and ‘perpetrators’ often become ‘victims.’ In the end, however, all are complex human beings. In [Blank], Alice Birch explores the difficult reality of this cycle of crime and violence. Through the course of the play, it becomes clear that the current judicial system’s use of punishment and deterrence actually perpetuates this cycle by failing to address its root cause.

Poverty, a lack of health supports, feeling a lack of agency, the eradication of a sense of security, and a decreased sense of value and worth are just a few of the many factors that contribute to criminal and violent activity. By addressing these underlying issues, crime can be prevented before it occurs. However, addressing these issues is complex and challenging because it requires the precise opposite of being locked away from society. It requires human connection, time, and outreach. 

There are many organizations here in Edmonton working hard to implement strategies that address these root causes regarding the cycle of crime and violence. Many of these organizations are not-for-profit, running on volunteers and donations. If you have been moved or enlightened by this production, here are some Edmonton organizations you can get involved with and ways to help break the cycle. 

Elizabeth Fry Society:  

  • Mission: "We advance the dignity and worth of all women, girls, and gender-diverse people who are or may be at risk of becoming criminalized."
  • Get Involved:
    • : Our volunteer positions have components such as Mentorship, Emotional Support, Providing Resources and Referrals, Court Work, and Administrative Tasks
    • : Every day, your dollars keep us in the community, in the courts, and in the prisons, offering programs, advocacy, and support wherever needed, supporting women to move on from involvement with the legal system. Your financial support will assist us in continuing this work, to develop and create new initiatives that enable us to better serve women of all ages in an ever-changing world.

iHuman:  

  • Mission: "Empowering Edmonton's At-Risk Youth - We are dedicated to altering the trajectory of at-risk youth through wrap-around services, arts programming, and mentorship. iHuman has created a holistic sanctuary that fosters growth, creativity, and resilience. We support youth (ages 12-24) to navigate complex systems such as housing, transportation, mental health, justice, financial assistance, medical care, and more."
  • Get Involved: 
    • - Whether mentoring through the arts, supporting our programs, or offering your unique perspective, your contribution can inspire growth and resilience in the youth we serve. Join us, and be part of a community that believes in the power of creativity and connection to change lives.
    • - When you donate to iHuman Youth Society you are not just giving money – you are investing in hope, transformation, and the potential for youth to thrive beyond adversity.

Youth Restorative Action Project:  

  • Mission: "To work with young people who have caused harm while being affected by a variety of significant social issues such as intolerance, racism, substance abuse, homelessness, family violence, and prostitution. We also offer those who have caused harm an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions and to grow positively, while offering victims a meaningful role in the process."
    • - YRAP provides a wide variety of services which are run by volunteers. There are always opportunities to give back to the community and the youth in many different aspects. YRAP has volunteer roles on our drop-ins, panels, board, or members for other various committees.
    • - Your donations help us provide a relationship-based, holistic environment which uses an autonomous and youth-centred voice to make authentic and sustainable change for both the individual and the community.

By working together we can build safer and more vibrant communities for all!

 

Published February 2025