News

Actions

Programs Could Help Lower Violence, Youth Crime

Posted at 7:28 PM, Dec 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-07 20:28:24-05

Nashville's homicides so far in 2017 have topped 100, and prosecutors have been trying to head off even more violent deaths by focusing on families.

This very well could become the deadliest year since 1997, but according Danielle Nellis, an assistant district attorney, the future may be brighter with a focus on rehabilitating Nashville’s youth.

Nellis said she believes in the coming years we will see the murder rate actually go down.

She said this is because there are a number of programs, both in juvenile court and for Nashville families, that will make the city more inclusive.

One of the reasons she has believed crime is getting worse is the growth, but also, an increasing need for affordable housing.

"When people have homes, when people have buy-ins, when people are part of their neighborhoods, they feel committed to it,” Nellis said. “I think if we could provide housing to people, if we as a community can provide housing so they feel like they're stable, so they feel like they have a safe place to be, we will see a decrease in the crime rate."

Nellis added while she sees many cases in criminal court, the homicide rate really hit home for her when she lost two teens in the Sunday School class she teaches.