Violence

Have more in-depth free mental health care for those committing violent crimes. Have early interventions and counselling for perpetrators and victims of domestic violence. Offer harm reduction services for this with substance use disorders. Get people into appropriate affordable housing. Lift people out of poverty by advocating to increase minimum wage Ontario works and ODSP rates. .

Better resources made available to prevent all type of violent incidences from ones including police to ones that are out of the ordinary and need more assistance. Better awareness as well to such incidences when they take place so that others that may have been affected in the community feel safe around the area still.

Systemic racism and terrible responses to mental health crises are just a few of the issues. They have a horrible record in this city. We need new systems

Violence is the symptom and not the problem. Violence is born out of fear and a battle to maintain a place of power. Gang warfare, domestic violence, hate crime, etc. all come from the same place. This must start from ensuring that everyone has access to basic needs, an opportunity to grow and thrive in education, and an equitable opportunity to access post secondary education. It must then continue through to providing long-term, comprehensive programs and services that provide intervention services to individuals who exhibit violent behavior. Incarceration alone will only perpetuate violent behaviour and support the individual's narrative that "the system" is against them. Recognize that violence generally happens in the communities that are most in need. This should be no surprise given the well studied factors that contribute to criminality and violence. The city does not actively work with the members of these communities in any meaningful way to determine the needs of the community and what the male youths (largest demographic of violent behaviour) are experiencing that pushes them towards exhibiting violent behaviour. Because violence is a symptom, it cannot be solved in a silo and must be considered in a socio-cultural context. Why are young, male, racialized groups engaging in violence? Why are young white males engaged in violence towards racialized groups? They are fighting to keep whatever power and resources they have or fighting to get what they don't have. We must address the issues of poverty and oppression before violence can be address. A final point of thought is that the City and the POlice service must set the example and live by an anti-violence framework. This means that policing must change the way it is interacting in these communities and community services/grassroots groups must be supported financially and politically to carry out the work that is needed. It may feel counterproductive, but violence is not a law enforcement issue. It is first and foremost a societal issue that requires a social solution.

I was extremely upset, to put it mildly, when a week ago a Resident Dr. @ a Hamilton Hospital said that he was afraid to bring his young family to live with him in Hamilton due to the high crime rate in Hamilton! He hasn't been with them since June/20, how extremely sad is that! He thought that they were safer in USA!!! I was so shocked & that was such an emotionally upsetting thing to hear! I mentioned some areas that appear to be safer ie. Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Ancaster, Hamilton Mtn. etc.! The Hamilton I grew up in used to be such a safe place!! I don't know the solution really wish that I did!

Offer start-up grants, office space or whatever is needed by those who would offer RJ programs. Review the leadership of Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council and Community Justice Initiatives and seek their guidance on emulating their work in Hamilton.

We can do better to support people coming out of correctional institutions to support them with housing, income security, employment and addictions concerns. This will reduce recidivism and give the whole community hope.