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Positive focus on youth violence

A lot of talk on social media about youth crime have led to the formation of a facebook group called Hibiscus Coast Community – Against Youth Violence.

Gulf Harbour resident Ali Butler started the group two months ago because she has two young children and wanted to be part of something positive to counter what she saw online about youth.

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“Youth crime is a big issue, not just on the Coast or around NZ, but internationally,” Ali says.

Currently the page has nearly 700 members.

One of the first things the group did was attend a public forum on crime hosted by Whangaparāoa MP Mark Mitchell (HM May 15). Police, local board members and local organisations such as Coast Youth Community Trust and the community patrol attended.

Ali says it opened a good conversation, with everyone encouraged to report incidents to Police.

“It highlighted that there has been a massive public uproar about the violence,” she says.

Further meetings were held, including linking with Sara Mason of the HBC Youth Hauora Network, and local schools. Sara says when young people are struggling, it can be a very complex issue with no quick fixes.

“The perception among some in the community is that young people can be trouble – so we need to break down that barrier,” she says. “One way is to showcase youth in a positive way and give them a voice.”

Ali agrees – “We need to include the kids and educate the general public that while there are some troubled ones who need support through the right channels, in general it’s about bringing the community together – youth and adults,” Ali says. She says local businesses are also stepping forward and talking with police about creating safe spaces.

Ali says when she started the facebook page, she expected there may be some vigilante-type comments but nothing like that came up.

“We are not part of the justice system –we just want to support structures that are already there, like community groups that work with youth. It will be important to keep organisations like the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre going – it has a year more funding, but what then?”

To join the Facebook page, look for Hibiscus Coast Community – Against Youth Violence.

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