Shelly Childers

Detroit, MI -- Detroit's annual Hugs Not Bullets campaign begins today.

This is all about Detroit youth leaders reaching out, urging teens and younger children not to fire guns while celebrating the new year.

The campaign kicks off at 10 a.m. at the public safety headquarters downtown.

This is the 13th year youth leaders have come together urging young people to get guns out of their lives.

We're told as of Labor Day, there has been a 13 percent decrease in non-fatal shootings, but a nearly 3 percent increase in homicides from last year.

This year's event also focuses on bullying issues and conflict resolution, helping students find better answers than violence.

WXYZ

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