To raise awareness about the warning signs for violence and the importance of “upstander” reporting, the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence—in partnership with community agencies and local police—is hosting an educational and interactive program on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Boulder Jewish Community Center.
If you go
Who: Open to the community
What: Supporting Community Safety: Warning Signs for Violence
When: Thursday, Oct. 27, 6:30–8:15 p.m.
Where: Boulder Jewish Community Center, 6007 Oreg Ave.
Research on targeted violence and terrorism repeatedly finds that people had concerns about the perpetrators prior to their deadly attacks, but they often did not know who to tell or how to intervene. In fact, a U.S. Secret Service study found that school attackers frequently communicated their intent to cause harm prior to their violence. These concerns and communications represent opportunities to see the warning signs and intervene to address them, but not many people know the warning signs or what to do when they see them.
The event seeks to educate and empower citizens to be aware of and report their safety-related concerns. Violence prevention researchers Beverly Kingston and Sarah Goodrum will present information on the warning signs for targeted violence, the challenges with being an upstander, and the use of Colorado’s Safe2Tell tip line. Amanda Giguere of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival will discuss the power of theater for role-playing upstander scenarios—for participants and families.
Many prevention-oriented programs and agencies will be present to provide information about the resources and services available in Boulder County, including: Healthy Youth Alliance, NAMI Boulder County, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, Boulder County Public Health, Inspire Youth Connections, substance use prevention programs, Mental Health Partners, MESA, Boulder Strong Resource Center, Community Health Worker Team, Broomfield County Public Health and Environment, University of Colorado Police Department and Boulder Police Department.
All are welcome to attend this free event, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Join for a pre-event social and resource sharing from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Learn more and register, or email sarah.goodrum@colorado.edu with any questions.
