FACTS AND STATS

There are many myths and misconceptions about youth, hate and crime. Below are facts and statistics collected from a variety of sources including the police services and organizations combatting hate and violence.

Youth Gangs

1. While there are many reasons for the increase in youth violence, one of the biggest causes is gangs - there are more of them today, they are bigger and they are becoming more violent.

2. In 1999, Toronto Police Service estimated that approximately 2,000 youth are involved in gangs that operate in the Greater Toronto Area.

3. Although less that one percent of youth between the ages of 12 and 17 are actually involved in youth gangs, every young person is a potential victim of gang activity.

4. Myth about gangs: Youth gang activity usually involves older teenagers. In reality: Some gangs have members as young as 9 or 10 years old.

Source: Toronto Police Service website, 2002

RACISM

1. Racism in our schools

"Canada is regarded as one of the world’s leaders in education standards and resources. While we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of many teachers who dedicate their lives to empowering children with the gift of education, it must be recognized that there are inherent problems in Canada’s educational system. Despite the fact that we demonstrate excellence in many areas of education, there is insufficient development in the areas of inclusiveness and empowerment of all children..."

Source: Canadian Race Relations Foundation Fact Sheets, 2002

WOMEN and VIOLENCE

1. In 1999, in Canada, 23,872 sexual assaults (total of all types) were reported to police. This translates into a rate of 78 sexual assaults per 100,000 people and marks a 7.3% decline from 1998 (Statistics Canada 2000). Given that this figure represents only approximately 6% of the sexual assaults that occur each year, [it can be stated that] sexual assault is not uncommon in this country.

2. Many women do not report sexual assaults when they occur. It is estimated that only 6% of sexual assaults are reported to police (OWD 1995, 1). Many women may never tell anyone that they have been sexually assaulted. As such, it is difficult to provide a statistic that accurately reflects how often sexual assault occurs.

Source:
Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children.