address not only individual factors leading to violence but also
the social systems that shape individuals; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has a diverse range of organizations
that work tirelessly within their communities to reduce
violence, such as the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia,
the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN), Mothers
In Charge, House of Umoja, the Institute for the Development of
African-American Youth (IDAAY), the Philadelphia Collaborative
Violence Prevention Center and the Philadelphia Youth Violence
Reduction Partnership; and
WHEREAS, Programs such as PAAN's Youth Violence Reduction
Partnership (YVRP) have a proven track record of success in
violence reduction when they receive adequate support; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has the highest deep-poverty rate among
America's 10 largest cities and has endured 67 murders and 450
assaults with firearms in the first several months of 2016; and
WHEREAS, The rate of violent crime in Pennsylvania was 314
per 100,000 in 2014, with more than 40,000 incidents of violent
crime Statewide, concentrated in our urban areas; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth is grateful to every individual and
organization dedicated to changing our communities for the
better by working to reduce violence through activism,
education, prevention/education programs and effective policy
advocacy; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
week of April 17 through 23, 2016, as "Violence Prevention Week"
in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
work of community-based organizations in the ongoing effort to
prevent violence and encourage all residents of this
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