Newark police/community trainings unique and forging common ground

The deep divide between police and communities of color in the United States can often seem intractable. But EJUSA has a long history of bridging divides that once seemed insurmountable. Our newest project to do this is the Police/Community Initiative on Trauma-Informed Responses to Violence, piloted last year in Newark, NJ. The project was profiled… Continue reading Newark police/community trainings unique and forging common ground

Arkansas’ execution spree highlights fallacy of our nation’s approach to violence.

The nation’s eyes were on Arkansas as it executed four people in 10 days in April, including holding the nation’s first double execution in almost two decades. The schedule drew national outrage, including 250,000 petition signatures delivered to the governor, intervention by victims’ family members, and celebrity involvement. Much of the attention has been on… Continue reading Arkansas’ execution spree highlights fallacy of our nation’s approach to violence.

Funding available for groups serving survivors in Michigan

Michigan has opened an application process for organizations to apply for funds through the Federal Victims Of Crime Act (VOCA). Michigan is accepting targeted victim services proposals that identify as underserved or unserved crime victims from six purpose areas including trauma recovery centers; human trafficking intervention services; sexual assault intervention services such as core comprehensive… Continue reading Funding available for groups serving survivors in Michigan

The impact of police shootings on racial trauma | Reimagining Justice This Month

Reimagining Justice This Month highlights stories about effective responses to violence – responses that disrupt cycles of violence, heal trauma, and address structural racism. The Racial Trauma of Police-Involved Shootings, Psychology Benefits Society Following the police shooting of 15-year-old Jordan Edwards, many are grief-stricken and enraged in communities across the country. The impact of the… Continue reading The impact of police shootings on racial trauma | Reimagining Justice This Month

Racist hate mail a reminder of the death penalty’s true colors

Last month, an African American prosecutor in central Florida received an especially disturbing piece of hate mail: a racist note and a noose. The prosecutor, State Attorney Aramis Ayala, made national news earlier this year when she announced she would not seek the death penalty in future cases. Her constituents broadly supported the decision, and… Continue reading Racist hate mail a reminder of the death penalty’s true colors

We’re a strong team

In these politically divisive times, EJUSA is as committed as ever to standing together with our partners to fight the death penalty and advance justice and healing. There is tremendous strength in working together. I know this because of you. Your passion, your persistence, your unwavering partnership with EJUSA has made me – and everyone… Continue reading We’re a strong team

EJUSA helps lead discussions on violence and mass incarceration

Last week EJUSA participated in two collaborations addressing violence and mass incarceration, both hosted by our friends at Common Justice. The first was a panel of crime survivors at Common Justice’s conference, “Accounting for Violence: How to Increase Safety and Break our Failed Reliance on Mass Incarceration.” EJUSA was honored to get a shout on for… Continue reading EJUSA helps lead discussions on violence and mass incarceration

Meet Pastor Gwendolyn Cook, a fearless victim advocate for girls | NCVRW2017 profile

Imagine surviving human trafficking, sexual abuse, assault, domestic violence, and gang exploitation all before the age of 13. Pastor Gwendolyn Cook sees it every day. She is the founder and director of Women Walking in the Spirit (WWITS) Girls Mentoring Program in Camden, NJ. Her organization works with young girls returning from juvenile detention at… Continue reading Meet Pastor Gwendolyn Cook, a fearless victim advocate for girls | NCVRW2017 profile

A focus on survivors of violent crime | Reimagining Justice This Month

Reimagining Justice This Month highlights stories about effective responses to violence – responses that disrupt cycles of violence, heal trauma, and address structural racism. This month, we have a special digest to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This month’s stories focus on crime survivors, their needs in the wake of violence, and challenges facing… Continue reading A focus on survivors of violent crime | Reimagining Justice This Month

EJUSA joins in discussion about race, police, and the community in Newark

EJUSA’s Police/Community Initiative on Trauma Informed Responses to Violence has been bringing together police officers, residents, survivors of violence, justice-involved citizens, social workers, and faith leaders to discuss the trauma that exists on both sides of the relationship between the police and community. More and more members of the Newark community are eager to participate in… Continue reading EJUSA joins in discussion about race, police, and the community in Newark