What is serious violence?
What is serious violence?
Serious Violence is understood as a form of abuse and violence. This is a crime that covers violence, abusive behaviour and harassment resulting in serious violence, that includes:
- violence involving weapons, such as knives or firearms
- homicide and violent assaults
- robbery and other violent crime
- domestic abuse and sexual violence
- violence linked to gangs, exploitation and county lines
- threats or behaviour that place people at risk of serious harm
Serious violence often has complex causes, including poverty, trauma, substance misuse, exclusion from education, and lack of access to support.
Our approach
Serious violence has a significant impact on individuals, families and communities. It can cause long-term physical and emotional harm and affects people of all ages.
Our council works with partners across health, policing, education, youth services and the voluntary sector to prevent serious violence, support those affected, and address the root causes.
We take a public health approach to serious violence. This means focusing on prevention, early intervention and long-term solutions rather than responding only after harm has occurred.
Our work includes:
- identifying risk factors and using data to target support
- working with partners to share information safely and responsibly
- supporting children and young people at risk of exploitation or harm
- investing in early help, youth services and community programmes
- supporting victims and survivors of violence
- listening to communities and involving them in local solutions
Everyone has a role to play in preventing serious violence. You can help by:
- reporting concerns or suspicious activity
- supporting local community and youth initiatives
- looking out for friends, neighbours and family members
- challenging harmful behaviour and attitudes where it is safe to do so