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Crime prevention starts young

Iqaluit RCMP begin anti-bullying program

Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Mar 03/03) - Teen violence is on the rise in Canada.

Violent crime amongst youth has spiked by 77 per cent since 1988 according to a 1998 census Canada report.

That has led to the development of a number of preventive programs hoping to curb the disturbing trend.

One such program is about to be introduced in Iqaluit. BRAVE, an acronym for Bully Resistance and Violence Education, is being offered by Iqaluit RCMP.

The program focuses on both sides of the bullying problem. It looks at what bullying is and how it affects the victim.

"It's making a conscience effort of making better people," said Cpl. Rick Comeau.

"Bullying programs have worked in other parts of the country."

Comeau said there isn't a measurable problem with bullying at local schools.

"Is it a concern? Yes, it is a concern. Is it measurable at this time? No, it's not," said Comeau.

The goal of the program is prevention. Not only prevention of bullying but the possibility of problems escalating into more serious crimes.

"It helps us in being able to deal with minor assaults and issues of disrespect that are not always an immediate police concern," said Comeau.

The most beneficial aspect, according to Comeau, is the program also helps victims find a medium to cope.

Inuksuk high school principal Terry Young said, there is a need for programs like these in every school across the country.

"This is not something that only happens in schools. You have adults in the workplace who are bullies. Maybe they would have benefitted from something like this," said Young.