End Community Violence Now, Delaware Department of Justice, Gun Violence Intervention, and Leaders in Transition to Host Follow Up to July’s Public Safety Town Hall in Dover

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Contact:

Barry Johnson

Email: [email protected]

Cell: 609-414-8890

MEDIA ADVISORY

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During the event, attendees and hosts will review the progress from the July 21 town hall, discuss root causes of violence, and plan next steps

DOVER – Today, End Community Violence Now, the Delaware Department of Justice, Gun Violence Intervention (GVI), and Leaders in Transition (L.I.T.) a program of GVI, announced that from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, they will host part two of the Dover Voices Heard Town Hall. The town hall will take place at Delaware State University’s Schwartz Center, 226 S State Street, Dover, DE 19901.

This event builds on the first Dover Voices Heard Town Hall held on July 21, giving residents the opportunity to continue the conversation on public safety, strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community, and enhance overall quality of life. Dover, which spans only 23 square miles, continues to experience a violent crime rate more than double that of both the state and the nation. Since 2020, crime in Dover has steadily increased, even as national crime trends have declined.

The evening will feature a panel discussion moderated by Corie Priest, community engagement program administrator for the Delaware Department of Justice. Panelists include:

● Mayor Robin Christiansen

● Bobby Wilson, Concerned Citizen

● John Cook, Gun Violence Intervention Support and Outreach

● Cammerin Norwood, L.I.T. Member

● Kaligah Parker, L.I.T. Member

The discussion will focus on topics most urgent to residents, including:

● Gun violence and its root causes in Dover

● Quality of life concerns impacting residents daily

● Strengthening community and law enforcement relations

● Identifying policy changes, investments, and programs that can make Dover safer for current and future generations

This free, public event is part of a long-term commitment to ensure that public safety initiatives are guided by the input and priorities of the community.

Media interested in attending the Dover Voices Heard Town Hall Part Two should RSVP in advance to Barry Johnson at [email protected].

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End Community Violence Now (ECVN) is the state of Delaware’s community-based Office of Violence Prevention. This public-private partnership seeks to break the cycle of violence through coordinated and sustained investments in evidence-based programs. This includes community engagement and education campaigns, policy advocacy, stakeholder strategy, as well as offering technical assistance and grant-making support to local organizations on the ground doing the difficult, but necessary work. ECVN envisions a future where all Delawareans are safe from the rising threat of gun violence.