Launched in 2013, the End Gang Life is a comprehensive gang education, prevention, and awareness initiative lead by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C (CFSEU-BC).
Based on best practices, End Gang Life engages the public by providing materials in various different languages that educates about the harsh realities of gang life.
By using emotionally and visually impactful messaging, we hope to prevent youth and young adults from joining gangs and encourage those involved in gangs to exit.
“Gang violence spans all cultures and we want to ensure that the End Gang Life materials are culturally relevant. CFSEU-BC has developed educational gang awareness booklets in over ten languages and developed a poster focused on Rakhi. We hope to raise awareness in the South Asian community as this auspicious day nears.” – Sgt. Brenda WINPENNY, Media Relations Officer, CFSEU-BC.
“DON’T LET THIS BE YOUR LAST RAKSHA BANDHAN” – END GANG LIFEEnd Gang Life – “Don’t let this be your last Raksha Bandhan” Raksha Bandan is the day in the South Asian culture that celebrates the love between a brother and sister. The Rakhi (sacred thread) signifies a pledge of protection the brother makes to his sister. Too many young men these days are losing their lives to gang violence, leaving behind families and breaking the promise to protect their sisters. #RakshaBandhan #EndGangLife #CFSEUBC #StopGangsGunsBC #BCGangIntervention
Posted by Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit - British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) on Wednesday, 2 August 2017
Rakhsha Bandhan or Rakhi is a traditional South Asian custom that involves the tying of a thread (Rakhi) by a sister on her brother’s wrist as a symbol of protection, love and respect.
With Rakhi approaching, we hope to raise awareness about the realities of gang life; research indicates that most gang members don’t survive past the age of 30. ‘Don’t let this be your last Rakhsha Bandhan’ hopes to empower sisters to encourage those involved in the gang lifestyle to think twice about their actions and urge gang exiting and brothers who may be involved in the gang lifestyle to consider the impact their choice has on their family and loved ones and choose them over gangs.
If you think your child or someone you know is at risk or involved in gangs or drug trafficking, there is help available for you. Contact CFSEU-BC’s Gang Intervention and Exiting Team for support (604-897-6023/ gangintervention@cfseu.bc.ca) or visit endganglife.ca
