The Finnish anti-bullying programme KiVa received first prize in the European Crime Prevention Award (ECPA) from Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask this evening. The programme won for the powerful way in which it helps create a preventive school environment characterised by greater friendliness, with fewer children and young people bullying others or being bullied themselves.

KiVa is a scientifically evaluated anti-bullying programme from Finland. It has been developed over a long period of time, is based on research and has a direct impact in the form of reduced bullying, and also more long-term effects in the form of a more secure school environment that is generally conducive to preventing crime.

“Preventing crime is particularly important when it concerns children and young people. For this reason it is positive that we in the EU spread experience from successful crime prevention efforts,” says Ms Ask.

About the ECPA
The ECPA is an annual competition and the prize is awarded to the best crime prevention project in Europe. The competition is preceded by a national selection process and the final is organised by the country holding the Presidency of the EU (this year by Sweden). Seventeen finalists were nominated by their home countries and competed for the title of Europe’s best crime prevention project on the theme young people and crime in cyberspace, schools and recruitment to criminal groups.

The award was presented by Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask in connection with the annual conference of the European Crime Prevention Network, which, due to the Swedish Presidency, was held in Stockholm on 9–10 December. The Czech Republic and Lithuania were each given an honourable mention at the award ceremony.
 

For more information, please contact Per Alvant.