An Experiment I'd Like To Be Part Of

I recently put out this question:

“The ‘recognize, remove and rehabilitate’ model that has been in play for decades has failed to end or even reduce violence. Where are the conversations about other options?”

And, of course, I got pushback. I can understand why. Maybe my question was unfair.

I am not in any way unappreciative of the efforts to “recognize, remove, and rehabilitate."

Absolutely not.

What I am is frustrated. I am frustrated that tending to victims, survivors, and those still in traumatic situations somehow takes precedence over tending to people who have yet to be affected by violence but in all probability might me.

This is not about saying that resources should be taken away from emergency services. That is just silly.

But there are so many programs that show efficacy in preventing violence. Many of them also help with resiliency and healing. So maybe what I should have asked is,

“How do we make sure enough resources are getting to programs that are evidence-based for preventing violence?”

“How do we make sure enough resources are getting to programs that are evidence-based for preventing violence?”

If a bunch of scientists can generate 100 actions to reduce the devastation of our planet, why can’t we, experts in violence prevention, come up with a game plan for ending interpersonal violence, or at least reducing it enough so that we’ll actually be able to feel the difference. Measure the difference.

1 in 3 is unacceptable.

1 in 5 is unacceptable.

1 in 6 is unacceptable.

And honestly, so is 1 in 10.

How about we put together a plan, where programs are implemented systemically and for all ages in all communities?

And what if the 100 ideas we come up with, to boost violence prevention, get the funding and the support necessary to really make a difference?

That is an experiment that I want to be part of.