WHEREAS, In an alarming manner, the murder rate and violent crime are soaring in our City; and
WHEREAS, According to the District Attorney’s Office, 80% of the homicides in this City are a result of gun shots; and
WHEREAS, The prevalence of guns not only results in the high murder rate, but also escalates the intensity of violent actions, and intensifies the fear of violence in our communities; and
WHEREAS, While the Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, elected officials and neighborhood leaders are working hard to respond to the current epidemic of violence through aggressive enforcement, prosecution, and prevention strategies, still many Philadelphians are victims of crime; and
WHEREAS, A violent crime is a traumatic event for family and friends of the victim, as well as the perpetrator, and these tragic events trigger many extreme emotional reactions ranging from grief, anger and fear; and
WHEREAS, These acts of violent crime, also, greatly impact our communities causing neighbors, and nearby residents and businesses to feel vulnerable and afraid; and
WHEREAS, Law enforcement agencies are charged with gathering evidence and apprehending the perpetrators and do not have the resources or training to provide counseling and guidance in response to these traumatic events; and
WHEREAS, There is a critical need to provide grief counseling, calm fears, reassure neighbors and help our communities heal from these traumatic experiences; and
WHEREAS, There is also a need to insure the coordination of such services and enhance the responsiveness of government to our citizens who have experienced violent crime within their family and community; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we call upon the Managing Director to coordinate the delivery of counseling services to families and neighborhoods affected by violent crime.
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