"Youth are our greatest and most important resource," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative. "As a community, we must take every opportunity to learn about the types and severity of violence that youth are experiencing and to become equipped with the tools to support youth that are being victimized as well as help those that are inflicting violence on their peers."

The intent of the public forum is to raise awareness about youth violence and the services that are available to youth and their families. The evening will include a panel of speakers representing the Violence Prevention Initiative, the Department of Education, the RNC and the Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador. There will also be booths from over 15 community agencies and Provincial Government departments.

"We are very pleased to be working closely with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Community Youth Network to inform the public about youth violence and the services that are available to assist victims and offenders," said RNC Chief Joe Browne. "Violence is a community problem that requires everyone�s efforts to make a difference."

The Williams Government has partnered with the RNC and Community Youth Network on several projects to address youth violence. Two new violence education presentations are being delivered by RNC officers to junior high students in Newfoundland and Labrador and a violence prevention conference for youth will be held later this year.

"No individual organization or government can be successful in combating violence in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Angela Crockwell, Executive Director of the Community Youth Network of St. John�s. "It is when we come together to create materials and public opportunities to raise awareness about violence that we are taking a step towards a violence-free province."

Funding for all the above projects is provided by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador�s Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI). The VPI is Government�s six-year, $9.2 million commitment to work with community to reduce violence throughout the Province.

"Education is the key to changing public attitudes about violence throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Community and government must continue to come together to support youth to be leaders in violence prevention and to spread the message that violence will not be tolerated," said Minister Burke.

The public forum will take place at the E.B. Foran Room at St. John's City Hall on Thursday, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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