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Charlotte advocates push for safe spaces, support for teenagers coping with grief after violence ‘Let’s look at that child and say, why did you do this?’ CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Families and friends impacted by youth violence are often left carrying grief and trauma long after the headlines fade; and advocates say support and safe outlets can make a difference. As Charlotte-Mecklenburg police released new crime numbers and more teens face charges in violent cases, a public health advocate said it’s critical to focus on survivors, especially children, and make space for them to process what they’ve been through. Quaneka Falls runs Connecting the Gap, a nonprofit that supports grieving children and their caregivers. She says many of the kids she works with are holding deep grief without a healthy way to express it. “When a child does something, let’s not look at that child and say you did this,” Falls said. “Let’s look at that child and say, why did you do this? Because I promise you there is some type of trauma… that was not handled.” Read --> Violent crime among children, teens biggest concern for Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Falls said understanding what a child has experienced and connecting them with trusted adults and real support can help interrupt cycles of violence and keep trauma from compounding. Police and county leaders say they’re also working to provide proactive options during the summer months, when youth violence often increases. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Chief Estella Patterson said the department wants to keep kids “on track of not becoming victims or victimizing others,” and pointed to organized activities designed to give teens safe spaces to spend time. For the next few Fridays, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation is hosting its Teen Summer Jam. Patterson said last week’s event drew hundreds of teens and ended without problems. “It was a wonderful event,” Patterson said. “I think some 300 kids or so were there… We did not have any issues. Those are the safe spaces we are talking about for our youth to be a part of.” Falls said when tragedy does strike, trust is key, and sometimes that trust is built through shared life experience. “I call it my lived expertise,” Falls said, describing growing up surrounded by gun violence and still finding a path forward through school and support. Patterson said the goal is for kids to be kids safely. Advocates stress that for teens dealing with loss, having someone they trust to talk to and a healthy outlet for grief can be a crucial first step. Also read --> 18-year-old accused of killing 15-year-old girl in east Charlotte shooting Copyright 2026 WBTV. All rights reserved.