Responding to the introduction of the Break the Cycle of Violence Act by Representative Steven Horsford and Senator Corey Booker, Ernest Coverson, Amnesty International USA’s Director of Gun Violence Prevention, said:
“Congress can save lives now by passing the Break the Cycle of Violence Act to permanently fund proven community violence prevention and intervention programs across the U.S.
“Gun violence is the leading cause of death for youth up to age 18 in the U.S., with Black and brown people disproportionately harmed. Community violence prevention and intervention programs are a step in the right direction, as they have been proven again and again to reduce gun violence by nearly 50 percent in communities across the country. It’s time that Congress ensures permanent funding for these lifesaving programs by passing the Break the Cycle of Violence Act.
“Community violence prevention and intervention programs work because they are often staffed by community leaders who provide survivors and families with counseling, connections to critical services, conflict avoidance tactics, mediation and more.
“Unfortunately, the Trump administration has cancelled awards to many of these critical programs. Passing the Break the Cycle of Violence Act would provide $5 billion dollars in funding for community violence prevention and intervention programs, including $1.5 billion for employment readiness programs. But most importantly, it would make this lifesaving funding permanent so that community violence prevention and intervention programs can continue regardless of administration changes.
“The lives of people in the U.S. who can be spared the destruction of gun violence cannot be left to the whim of each administration. Congress must pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act so community violence prevention and intervention programs are permanently funded.”
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