By Azara LaviaNational Youth Ambassador Christal Percival is calling for greater investment in early intervention, mentorship and community-based support as concerns continue to grow over crime and violence involving young people. Speaking exclusively to Observer Media, Percival said addressing youth crime requires more than responding after young people have already become involved in offending. Percival identified a lack of positive support and guidance as one of the major factors affecting young people. She said some youth are particularly vulnerable to negative influences when they do not have strong support systems around them. According to Percival, young people should not be viewed solely as victims of the country’s crime problem.