Awarding exceptional crime and violence prevention programs for 30 years

Media release - AIC

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA). Now in the 30th year, the ACVPA recognise and reward good practice in the prevention or reduction of violence and other types of crime in Australia.

The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) Deputy Director Dr Rick Brown said the awards are open to projects of all sizes, including smaller initiatives involving local community groups, that were fully operational before 1 February 2021.

“These awards play a vital role in highlighting effective community-based initiatives to prevent crime and violence,” Dr Brown said.

“I strongly encourage businesses, community networks, and members of the public to nominate local projects that have made an impact on their community by preventing or reducing crime and violence.”

The ACVPA encourage public initiatives, and assist governments in identifying and developing practical projects which will reduce violence and other types of crime in the community.

“In 2021, we recognised 12 programs for their exceptional contributions to crime and violence prevention in the Australian community,” Dr Brown said.

One of last year’s community-led project winners included a culturally safe residential healing and behaviour change program for Aboriginal men who use, or are at risk of using, family violence. The partners and children of those men are also supported by Dardi Munwurro’s Family Safety team.

CEO of Dardi Munwurro, Alan Thorpe, said Ngarra Jarranounith means ‘men’s healing place’.

“Ngarra Jarranounith Place provides holistic support for men to strengthen their culture, adopt positive behaviours and nurture healthy relationships and decrease the risk of family violence,” Mr Thorpe said.

In the police-led category, Project Kairos: Queensland Gangs Exit Program won Gold for reducing the harm caused to the community by outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Acting Chief Superintendent, Roger Lowe, said the project recognises that not all organised crime gang members are created equal.

“Not all gang members are redeemable or want to be redeemed, but many are. We know from our research many joined gangs for the wrong reasons, lured by false promises and regret their decisions. The Exit program provides a safe pathway for those who want to take the step towards change,” Mr Lowe said.

The awards are a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments, coordinated by the AIC.

Nominations close 14 June 2022. To apply for this year’s awards visit www.aic.gov.au/acvpa