Leave Out ViolencE is a violence prevention and intervention organization that works with youth who have experienced violence (as victims, witnesses, or perpetrators – our youth have defined violence as “anything that hurts”). At LOVE, by addressing violence as something that is learned and that is cyclical, we work with victims, perpetrators, and witnesses of violence to deliver programming that is preventative and interventional. At LOVE, we believe that youth whose lives have been affected by violence are the most effective educators about causes of and alternatives to violent behaviour.

LOVE supports our youth to learn advanced leadership and life skills while they create artworks that become powerful education tools. Our team of youth spokespeople use media arts (writing, photography, video, spoken word) as educational tools to teach community members about root causes, effects, and alternatives to violence and crime. LOVE’s youth use their experiences and understandings of violence to create and facilitate presentations, workshops, and processes to reach out purposefully to teach people in their communities about anti-violence, youth culture, social justice, and other issues that are important to them.

Our youth educate thousands of youth, adults, and groups throughout our communities every year. In LOVE’s programs we build community. Creating a safe spaces, a family vibe, and an accepting spirit is at the core of our work. Through strong, meaningful relationships we achieve the highest quality of programs. We work to help young people to see their brilliance and skills, and we support them to use their strengths to build healthy, happy, successful lives.