Serious Youth Violence

Gangs and youth violence are a growing problem across the country. Membership of gangs and associated youth violence can have a devastating impact on children and young people and their families.

Safeguarding Network

Gangs are defined as mainly comprising men and boys aged 13-25 years old, who take part in many forms of criminal activity (e.g. knife crime or robbery) who can engage in violence against other gangs, and who have identifiable markers, for example a territory, a name, or sometimes clothing.

Groups are defined involves people who come together in person or online for the purpose of setting up, co-ordinating and/or taking part in the sexual exploitation of children in either an organised or opportunistic way.

Serious Youth Violence is defined as ‘any offence of most serious violence or weapon enabled crime, where the victim is aged 1-19’ i.e. murder, manslaughter, rape, wounding with intent and causing grievous bodily harm. ‘Youth violence’ is defined in the same way, but also includes assault with injury offences.

What is Serious Youth Violence?

Serious Youth Violence includes the threat, and intentional use, of violence towards children under 18 years old. SYV usually occurs in a public place, it may or may not involve the use of weapons and can result in serious physical injury or death. Perpetrators may act alone, or as part of a group, SYV does not always happen in the context of gang activity. The intention of SYV is to cause significant injury, deprivation, psychological harm, or death. Statistics evidence that young black boys are overrepresented as victims of peer homicide, but it is important to remember that any child can be a victim or perpetrator. Children may also experience loss, or fear, due to incidents involving their peers, or the wider community. Experience of prior victimisation can increase the likelihood of becoming a perpetrator for some children. A victim may feel they have been embarrassed or disrespected in front of peers and perceive a need to reassert their ‘status’. Perpetrators of SYV may also be victims of exploitation in their own right; they could be being pressured or threatened or in debt to drug dealers. SYV can also stem from disputes related to gang activity, drugs and territory. Exclusion from mainstream education is known to be a risk factor for involvement in Serious Youth Violence.

Signs and Indicators

Non-accidental or unexplained injuries including: o Bruising o Fractures o Fresh scars or minor cuts o Chronic pain (back, arms, upper legs) o Burns o Sprains o Dislocation o Internal injuries ➢ Attempting to hide the injury by wearing long clothing on a hot day ➢ Requesting medication or treatment (bandages or plasters) for unseen injuries ➢ Suspicious injuries (appear to be inflicted by a bladed article, or inconsistent with the explanation) ➢ Refusing to be referred to a hospital or GP for further examination ➢ Inconsistent explanation about how the injury was obtained ➢ Becoming defensive, angry, or hostile when exploring the injury and sequence of events ➢ Mood swings or abusive language that is unusual for the child ➢ Unwillingness to talk, or fearfulness, in the presence of another person. The child may be worried about repercussions.

Information, Resources & Support

Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service works with young people in the local youth justice system. Our purpose is to help those young people to make positive changes to their lifestyle, keep them safe and secure, and offer assistance and reparation to the victims.

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole

Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service,
Ted Webster Centre,
519A Ashley Rd,
Poole,
BH14 0BD.

Call: 01202 794321.

Dorset Council

Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service,
Monkton Park,
Winterborne,
Monkton,
Dorchester,
Dorset,
DT2 9PS.

Call: 01202 794 321.

Email: DCYJS@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

8 Ways Schools Can Respond To Youth Violence

Youth Endowment Fund - Toolkit for what works to prevent youth violence

Serious Violence Strategy - The Serious Violence Duty makes councils and local services work together to share information and target interventions to prevent and reduce serious violence

Fearless - Fearless is the Crimestoppers youth service aimed at 11-16 year olds. It is tasked with increasing awareness of the dangers surrounding street crime, drugs and violence. Armed with a belief in the power of prevention and intervention, Fearless aims to help our future generations navigate a safe path to adulthood.

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