ST.GEORGE’S, GRENADA, 23rd JANUARY, 2009_The Ministry of Social Development, the Legal Aid and Counseling Clinic and the Media Workers Association of Grenada are collaborating on a workshop aimed at reducing violence in the society. The workshop will be held at the Red Cross conference room between 9AM to 12 NOON on Saturday 24th January, 2009. According to the Minister of Social Development, Glynis Roberts, the full spectrum of violence prevention is the responsibility of the entire Society including community groups, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, the media, the Police, religious associations, friends, neighbors and family members. She says the effectiveness of the ministry’s violence prevention strategies can only improve when everyone is clear about the role he /she can play in the eradication of this social problem. “The media plays a very important part in raising awareness about suicide prevention, in removing stigma and changing our attitudes towards suicidal behaviours and to mental illnesses, Minister Roberts said. According to Ministry officials there can be a positive aspect to reporting suicides, as debate may help to de-stigmatize the subject and provoke wider discussion on the importance of good emotional health. However, the Ministry also points to research to support its position that misleading or sensational reporting and inappropriate photography can lead to copycat suicides. “We have to be cognizant of the fact that if the media agencies specialize in dishing out heaping servings of violence, this will only contribute to desensitization to the suffering of others and a culture of tolerance to violence within our society,” a ministry statement said. The workshop will provide the opportunity to discuss and encourage practices and policies that promote positive change in the production and use of mass media. The aim is to offer support in deciding how to approach what is ultimately one of the most difficult things to write or speak about. It is expected that guidelines developed at the workshop would offer practical suggestions in relation to appropriate reporting of suicide; such as the use of appropriate language, including details of sources of information, the avoidance of simplistic explanations for suicide and the effect it can have on survivors of suicide. “Preventing suicide in Grenada is an urgent issue, one that goes right to the heart of our efforts to create a healthy, prosperous and socially inclusive Grenada,” the Minister said. The Ministry has extended an invitation to members of the Grenadian media to participate in the workshop. INSIDE GRENADA NEWS