National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims is an opportunity to invest in public health approaches to violence
EJUSA supports Mothers in Charge national action on Sept 22
Statement by Shari Silberstein, Executive Director
“Every year there are more than 14,000 people murdered in America. Countless grieving parents, brothers, sisters, children, and other loved ones are left behind to pick up the pieces of their lives. And young men of color are the most likely to be victims of this public health crisis.
“It’s time to commit to a new path forward. We need trauma-informed responses to violence that save lives, rebuild communities, and prevent future violence. We need to understand the pain in communities of color built up over generations of racism, violence, and poverty, and ensure that responses to violence help instead of harm. We need to stand up as a nation to honor those killed by taking care of those left behind.
“EJUSA has worked with hundreds of families who have lost loved ones to violence, and we hear again and again that the current system of justice is not working. Their needs for healing, grief support, financial assistance, and other services go unmet, and many are thrust into an alienating legal process that often re-traumatizes them.
“EJUSA is pleased to support this national day of action by our partners, Mothers in Charge, as they mark the day and call for a public health response to homicide.”
Mothers in Charge press events will be held Sept 22 at 2p in Philadelphia City Hall Mayor’s Reception Room, and at other times that day throughout the country. For the full list, see the press release by Mothers in Charge.
