Across the Metro Atlanta area, there is one scourge that keeps many residents on edge. From neighborhood to neighborhood, it seems that none have been spared from crime. In fact, Atlanta holds the dubious rank of last place on the list of the Top 25 most dangerous cities in America, according to 2010 FBI crime statistics.
As of this week, an awareness and activism campaign has been launched in response to this momentous issue. In September 2011, Operation Safe Witness, Inc. (OSW, Inc.), a local 501(c) (3) non-profit orgaization will host its 1st Annual Anti-Violence Million Mom March.
The organization is currently developing plans for its fundraiser, tentatively planned in the West End area. They hope to raise enough funds in the months to come to secure a facuility for these individuals. Madden believes that their goal of a million participants is obtainable since they hope to partner with both sexes across the community.
According to the organization's president DiTanya Madden, "there is a need for additional support services and/or resources for victims and witnesses of violent crimes, sex-trafficking, and domestic violence," said Madden. Lamenting the high crime facing residents daily, Madden added, "we cannot expect that law enforcement, prosecutors, and our elected offficials can identify, address and resolve these issues alone."
Madden, a long time activist states that, "gangs are forming over night, fatal cases of bullying have risen, and the "Stop Snitching"culture is wreaking havoc on the justice system as a whole." OSW, Inc. is taking this action because, "many of us have become so immune that we turn the other cheek [to crime]," Madden said.
The offices of Councilmember Ivory Lee Young, and Councilmember Cleta Winslow were contacted but have not provided a statement by press time.
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| photo courtesy of frontdoor.com |
As of this week, an awareness and activism campaign has been launched in response to this momentous issue. In September 2011, Operation Safe Witness, Inc. (OSW, Inc.), a local 501(c) (3) non-profit orgaization will host its 1st Annual Anti-Violence Million Mom March.
The organization is currently developing plans for its fundraiser, tentatively planned in the West End area. They hope to raise enough funds in the months to come to secure a facuility for these individuals. Madden believes that their goal of a million participants is obtainable since they hope to partner with both sexes across the community.
According to the organization's president DiTanya Madden, "there is a need for additional support services and/or resources for victims and witnesses of violent crimes, sex-trafficking, and domestic violence," said Madden. Lamenting the high crime facing residents daily, Madden added, "we cannot expect that law enforcement, prosecutors, and our elected offficials can identify, address and resolve these issues alone."
Madden, a long time activist states that, "gangs are forming over night, fatal cases of bullying have risen, and the "Stop Snitching"culture is wreaking havoc on the justice system as a whole." OSW, Inc. is taking this action because, "many of us have become so immune that we turn the other cheek [to crime]," Madden said.
The offices of Councilmember Ivory Lee Young, and Councilmember Cleta Winslow were contacted but have not provided a statement by press time.
