Serious youth violence refers to violence involving children and young people, either as victims or those at risk of being involved. It can cause serious physical and emotional harm and have long-term impacts on young people, families and communities.

It may include:

• violence involving knives or other weapons
• serious assaults or robbery
• violence linked to gangs, exploitation or county lines
• threats or behaviour that puts young people at risk of serious harm

Serious youth violence is often linked to wider issues such as trauma, exploitation, exclusion from education, poverty and lack of support. Preventing it means acting early, listening to young people and providing the right help at the right time.

We work with schools, youth services, police, health partners and community organisations to keep young people safe, support those affected and prevent violence before it happens.