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‘Stop The Violence’ Campaign Continues The next phase of the Stop the Violence Campaign — titled ‘Echoes Like Us: Real Men. Real Stories. Still Here’ – has launched, using “powerful storytelling to inspire healing, dialogue, and community change across Bermuda.” A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of National Security, through its Gang Violence Reduction Team [GVRT] and in partnership with 7 South Productions, continues to lead the Stop the Violence Campaign, a cornerstone of Bermuda’s National Violence Reduction Strategy. “This ongoing national initiative uses storytelling, partnership, and creative media to raise awareness, promote healing, and strengthen community unity. “Since its inception, the campaign has delivered several major milestones, including the Campaign Launch, the Youth Rise Against Violence Conference, and the Youth Campaign Videos, each amplifying real voices and lived experiences to shift the culture around violence and prevention in Bermuda. “Now, the Ministry has launched the next chapter: ‘Echoes Like Us: Real Men. Real Stories. Still Here.’ This bold, emotionally charged storytelling series spotlights young Bermudian men who have faced loss, violence, and recovery. “Through intimate interviews and cinematic visuals, Echoes Like Us captures raw truths about pain, resilience, and hope, creating space for healing and dialogue across the island.” Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said: “This campaign captures what Bermuda needs most right now, truth, compassion, and connection. “Stop the Violence and Echoes Like Us remind us that prevention starts with understanding, empathy, and community. These are real people telling real stories, and their courage is helping us build safer, stronger communities across Bermuda.” Next Phase: “Break the Silence” – Mental Health Awareness Campaign The spokesperson said, “Launching in late November, the upcoming Break the Silence campaign will focus on mental health, healing, and emotional resilience, particularly among youth, young adults, and Black men. The initiative aims to: Break stigma around therapy and mental health Connect the dots between violence, trauma, and emotional wellness Highlight local therapists, pastors, and mentors as relatable role models Provide actionable tools for managing stress, anger, and depression” Dion Green, Art Director 7 South Productions, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Ministry on a project that reaches and touches the lives of so many. “While filming, it’s been emotional, real, and at times hard, but the power of storytelling is undeniable. The campaign’s impact, both in numbers and in reach, is like nothing I’ve seen before.” Campaign Reach & Community Impact The spokesperson said, “The Stop the Violence Campaign continues to expand its visibility and impact across Bermuda, with over 300,000+ video views across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.” Pastor Leroy Bean, Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator, shared: “I encourage people to sit down with their kids and watch these campaigns, talk about them, share them with others, and have real, hard, honest conversations with each other and within our families. “These stories are meant to move us toward understanding and action. I also want to thank the more than 100 people who have participated in the campaign’s efforts so far, your voices and courage are what make this movement real.” The spokesperson said, “The Ministry encourages the public to check out the campaign videos, share them, and start the conversation. “Follow and subscribe to: Instagram: @stoptheviolencebda YouTube: Stop the Violence Bermuda Facebook: Stop the Violence Bermuda Website: www.stoptheviolencebda.com”
