CBC brought recently some interesting numbers from Toronto police that show the percentage of homicide victims who are aged 19 or younger has risen to 22.6% last year from 8.75% in 2005. This year, seven teenagers have died as a result of violent crimes (19% of the total homicides this year to date). Why these numbers are getting worst when, generally speaking, the amount of violent crime and the seriousness of crime in Toronto are decreasing in recent years? Statistics Canada reported the drop of 4% the Toronto area's crime severity index in 2009 compared to 2008.

Is the American border to close to Toronto? Is it really so easy to get and use the gun as to use a cell phone? Is the increase of homicides result of weak justice system or of social and economic policy? Experts say that more likely the "B" is right answer. The way the society should go is the prevention. A punishment and harsher penalties to young offenders are barely preventive enough. On the other hand, strong family has good reputation in terms of resolving problems of individuals. Could this be a better way to go? I would say it very probably could. The only problem is that people (including politicians and some of its voters) prefer to see quick results. It seems that they have forgotten that in this area, more durable progress should (and would) be more welcomed.

Miroslava Hospodarova

Photo: ISIFA