Violence Prevention & Community Safety

Understanding Violence Prevention, Public Protection, Youth Safety and Community Support Violence can have devastating effects on individuals, families, communities and society. Preventing violence is a shared responsibility involving families, schools, communities, police, local authorities, healthcare services, youth services and voluntary organisations. Violence prevention focuses on: Protecting life. Reducing harm. Supporting victims. Preventing offending. This guide provides information about knife crime, youth violence, gangs, serious violence, community safety, victim support and legal protections throughout England and Wales. This information is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

Understanding Violence

What is Violence?

Violence may include:

• Physical assault.
• Threats of violence.
• Weapon-related offences.
• Serious organised violence.
• Domestic abuse.
• Youth violence.
• Gang-related violence.
• Hate crime violence.
• Sexual violence.

Violence can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

Violence Prevention

Preventing Harm

Violence prevention seeks to:

• Identify risks early.
• Protect vulnerable individuals.
• Reduce offending.
• Improve safety.
• Support communities.

Prevention often focuses on:

• Education.
• Early intervention.
• Youth support.
• Safeguarding.
• Community engagement.

Serious Violence Duty Guidance

Serious Violence Duty Guidance

Knife Crime

Understanding Knife Crime

Knife crime may involve:

• Carrying knives unlawfully.
• Threatening others with knives.
• Assault involving knives.
• Serious violence involving bladed articles.

Carrying a knife can place both the carrier and others at significant risk.

Many people affected by knife crime are themselves vulnerable, exploited or fearful.

Ben Kinsella Trust

Ben Kinsella Trust

Legal Consequences of Knife Crime

Criminal Offences

Knife-related offences may result in:

• Arrest.
• Prosecution.
• Criminal records.
• Custodial sentences.
• Serious Violence Reduction Orders in some cases.

Government Information

Knife Crime Law Information

Youth Violence

Understanding Youth Violence

Youth violence may involve:

• Assaults.
• Robbery.
• Weapon offences.
• Group violence.
• Exploitation.

Many young people involved in violence may also be:

• Victims.
• Vulnerable to exploitation.
• Experiencing trauma.
• At risk of harm.

Early support is often crucial.

Youth Endowment Fund

Youth Endowment Fund

Gang Awareness

Understanding Gang Risks

Some gangs may be involved in:

• Drug supply.
• Violence.
• Criminal exploitation.
• County lines activity.
• Weapon offences.

Not every friendship group is a gang.

Concerns arise where criminality, coercion or exploitation are present.

Signs of Gang Exploitation

Potential Indicators

Possible signs may include:

• Unexplained money.
• Multiple mobile phones.
• Missing episodes.
• Sudden behavioural changes.
• Association with older individuals.
• Fear or secrecy.

Concerns should be assessed within context and not based on assumptions alone.

Children's Society

The Children's Society

Serious Violence

Understanding Serious Violence

Serious violence may include:

• Knife attacks.
• Firearm offences.
• Serious assaults.
• Organised violence.
• Gang violence.
• Domestic homicide.
• Violence causing serious injury.

Reducing serious violence is a public protection priority.

Home Office

Serious Violence Strategy Information

Community Violence Prevention

Safer Communities

Violence prevention is most effective when communities work together.

Approaches may include:

• Youth programmes.
• Mentoring.
• Education.
• Community outreach.
• Family support.
• Safeguarding services.

Violence Reduction Units

Violence Reduction Units Information

Violence Reduction Units (VRUs)

Public Health Approach

Many areas use a public health approach to violence.

This considers:

• Trauma.
• Adverse childhood experiences.
• Poverty.
• Exclusion.
• Exploitation.
• Mental health.

The aim is to prevent violence before it occurs.

County Lines & Violence

Exploitation Risks

County lines operations may expose children and vulnerable adults to:

• Violence.
• Weapons.
• Criminal exploitation.
• Threats.
• Debt bondage.

Victims require safeguarding and support.

NSPCC

NSPCC

School Violence Prevention

Supporting Children and Young People

Schools may help reduce violence through:

• Safeguarding.
• Anti-bullying policies.
• Emotional wellbeing support.
• Early intervention.
• Conflict resolution education.

Department for Education

Department for Education

Community Mediation & Conflict Resolution

Preventing Escalation

Disputes that escalate may increase risks of violence.

Mediation can help:

• Reduce tensions.
• Improve communication.
• Resolve disputes safely.

Civil Mediation Council

Civil Mediation Council

Public Protection

The UK has specific strategies to address violence affecting women and girls, including:

• Domestic abuse.
• Sexual violence.
• Stalking.
• Harassment.
• Exploitation.

Support should be available to all victims regardless of gender.

Victim Support

Victim Support

Trauma After Violence

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Violence may lead to:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• PTSD.
• Fear.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Loss of confidence.

Support may include:

• Counselling.
• Mental health services.
• Victim support services.

NHS Mental Health

NHS Mental Health Services

Support After Violence

Help for Victims

Victims may need:

• Emotional support.
• Medical care.
• Housing support.
• Legal support.
• Advocacy.
• Financial assistance.

Victim Support

Victim Support

Telephone:

0808 168 9111

Families Affected by Violence

Support for Relatives

Families may require support following:

• Serious assaults.
• Homicide.
• Knife crime.
• Youth violence.
• Gang violence.

Support After Murder and Manslaughter

SAMM (Support After Murder and Manslaughter)

Reporting Concerns

Reporting Violence

Emergency

999

Non-Emergency

101

Crimestoppers (Anonymous)

Crimestoppers

Telephone:

0800 555 111

Additional Violence Prevention, Public Protection & Support

These sections expand the Violence Prevention Hub and provide wider information about serious violence, safeguarding, youth safety, community protection, victim support and human rights.

Serious Violence Duty

Partnership Working to Reduce Violence

The Serious Violence Duty requires specified authorities to work together to prevent and reduce serious violence.

Partners may include:

• Police.
• Local authorities.
• Health services.
• Youth justice services.
• Fire and rescue services.
• Probation services.

Serious Violence Duty Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/serious-violence-duty-guidance

Violence Reduction Units (VRUs)

Local Violence Prevention

Violence Reduction Units bring together local partners to understand and reduce serious violence.

They may focus on:

• Youth violence.
• Knife crime.
• Exploitation.
• Prevention programmes.
• Community engagement.

Violence Reduction Units

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/violence-reduction-units

Public Health Approach to Violence

Preventing Violence Before It Happens

A public health approach looks at the causes of violence and seeks to prevent harm early.

It may consider:

• Trauma.
• Poverty.
• Education.
• Family support.
• Mental health.
• Community safety.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Early Life Trauma

ACEs may include:

• Abuse.
• Neglect.
• Domestic abuse.
• Family breakdown.
• Substance misuse in the home.

Understanding ACEs can help services provide early support and reduce future harm.

Trauma-Informed Practice

Responding with Understanding

Trauma-informed practice recognises that people affected by violence may have experienced trauma.

It focuses on:

• Safety.
• Trust.
• Choice.
• Empowerment.
• Respect.

Youth Diversion Programmes

Supporting Young People Away from Crime

Youth diversion aims to prevent young people entering or continuing in the criminal justice system.

Support may include:

• Education.
• Mentoring.
• Family support.
• Restorative work.
• Youth services.

Youth Justice Board

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/youth-justice-board-for-england-and-wales

Mentoring & Early Intervention

Positive Support

Mentoring can help young people build:

• Confidence.
• Skills.
• Positive relationships.
• Safer choices.

Early intervention can reduce risks before harm escalates.

School Exclusions & Violence Risks

Education and Safeguarding

School exclusion may increase vulnerability for some young people.

Risks may include:

• Exploitation.
• Gang recruitment.
• Isolation.
• Reduced support.

Education providers should consider safeguarding needs.

Department for Education

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Children as Victims of Exploitation

CCE happens when children are manipulated or coerced into criminal activity.

Examples include:

• Drug supply.
• Theft.
• Violence.
• County lines activity.

NSPCC

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

County Lines & Organised Crime

Exploitation and Violence

County lines activity often involves organised criminal groups exploiting children and vulnerable adults.

Risks include:

• Violence.
• Threats.
• Debt bondage.
• Missing episodes.

Children’s Society

https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk

Firearms & Gun Crime

Serious Public Safety Risk

Firearms offences are serious crimes and may involve:

• Threats.
• Injury.
• Organised crime.
• Community fear.

Call 999 if there is immediate danger.

Police UK

https://www.police.uk

Acid Attacks

Corrosive Substance Violence

Acid attacks and corrosive substance offences can cause serious physical and psychological harm.

Victims may need:

• Emergency medical care.
• Police support.
• Long-term recovery support.

Call 999 immediately.

Robbery & Street Violence

Public Place Violence

Robbery involves theft using force or threats.

Street violence may include:

• Assaults.
• Muggings.
• Group violence.
• Weapon threats.

Report immediate danger to 999.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

Preventing Gender-Based Violence

VAWG includes:

• Domestic abuse.
• Sexual violence.
• Stalking.
• Harassment.
• Exploitation.

Support should be available to all victims while recognising specific risks affecting women and girls.

Government VAWG Strategy

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tackling-violence-against-women-and-girls-strategy

Honour-Based Violence

Abuse Linked to Control

Honour-based violence may include:

• Threats.
• Assault.
• Forced marriage.
• Coercion.
• Family or community control.

Abuse cannot be justified by culture, religion or tradition.

Karma Nirvana

https://karmanirvana.org.uk

Domestic Homicide Reviews

Learning from Domestic Abuse Deaths

Domestic Homicide Reviews examine deaths linked to domestic abuse to identify lessons and improve future protection.

Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/revised-statutory-guidance-for-the-conduct-of-domestic-homicide-reviews

Homicide Prevention

Reducing Fatal Violence

Homicide prevention may involve:

• Early risk identification.
• Domestic abuse intervention.
• Youth violence prevention.
• Mental health support.
• Safeguarding.
• Community protection.

Missing Children & Violence Risks

Safeguarding Concerns

Missing children may be at increased risk of:

• Violence.
• Exploitation.
• Grooming.
• Trafficking.
• Criminal coercion.

Missing People

https://www.missingpeople.org.uk

Helpline:

116 000

Substance Misuse and Violence

Reducing Harm

Substance misuse may be linked to increased risks of:

• Violence.
• Exploitation.
• Vulnerability.
• Community disorder.

Support should focus on treatment, safeguarding and prevention.

NHS Addiction Support

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support

Mental Health and Violence Prevention

Balanced Understanding

Most people with mental health difficulties are not violent.

Where risk concerns exist, responses should involve:

• Healthcare support.
• Safeguarding.
• Crisis intervention.
• Proportionate public protection.

NHS Mental Health

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Community Cohesion & Violence Reduction

Safer Communities

Community cohesion can reduce violence by promoting:

• Inclusion.
• Trust.
• Respect.
• Early reporting.
• Community support.

Restorative Justice

Repairing Harm

Restorative justice may allow victims and offenders to communicate safely where appropriate and voluntary.

Restorative Justice Council

https://restorativejustice.org.uk

Victim Recovery & Trauma Support

Support After Violence

Victims may need:

• Medical care.
• Counselling.
• Housing support.
• Legal advice.
• Practical help.

Victim Support

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

Bereavement Following Violent Crime

Support for Families

Families bereaved by violence may need specialist support with grief, investigations and court processes.

SAMM

https://www.samm.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Support

https://www.cruse.org.uk

Witness Protection & Support

Helping Witnesses Give Evidence

Witnesses may need:

• Practical support.
• Court guidance.
• Special measures.
• Protection where risk exists.

Witness Service

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/witness-service

Criminal Justice Responses to Violence

Courts and Sentencing

Serious violence may result in:

• Police investigation.
• Charging decisions.
• Court proceedings.
• Sentencing.
• Protective orders.

Crown Prosecution Service

https://www.cps.gov.uk

Sentencing Council

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk

Multi-Agency Violence Prevention Partnerships

Working Together

Violence prevention often involves:

• Police.
• Councils.
• NHS.
• Schools.
• Youth services.
• Probation.
• Community organisations.

Partnership working helps identify risks and support prevention.

Human Rights and Public Protection

Balancing Safety and Rights

Violence prevention should protect communities while respecting:

• Human rights.
• Equality.
• Privacy.
• Due process.
• Access to justice.
• Freedom from discrimination.

Relevant legislation includes:

• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Children Act 1989.
• Care Act 2014.
• Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com

Human Rights, Equality & Legal Protections

Everyone has the right to:

• Life and safety.
• Protection from violence.
• Access to justice.
• Equal treatment under the law.
• Protection from discrimination.
• Support after crime.

Relevant legislation includes:

• Serious Violence Duty (Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022).
• Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
• Children Act 1989.
• Care Act 2014.

Human Rights Act

Human Rights Act 1998

Equality Act

Equality Act 2010

Key Message

Violence prevention works best when it combines early help, safeguarding, community support, education, fair enforcement, victim support and respect for human rights. Reducing violence protects individuals, families and communities while helping people access safety, recovery and justice.