We have to tackle the causes of knife crime epidemic
VIOLENT crime affecting towns and cities across the UK has taken an ugly turn. London is currently at the forefront – seeing a giddying escalation of violence resulting in the deaths of innocent children. Let’s not forget that these were young people with aspirations and dreams who had much to offer society.
Urgent action is needed to tackle the causes. The Government’s recently launched Serious Violence Strategy identifies county lines – the phenomenon whereby vulnerable children are groomed as mules to ferry and deal drugs across the country – as being a major factor.
St Giles Trust has been at the forefront of tackling this issue through the SOS Project which offers lifesaving support to young people caught up in and at risk of gangs and serious youth violence. These youngsters are incredibly vulnerable, frightened and often volatile. They will not talk to anyone in authority.
However, our caseworkers have a secret weapon – their pasts. They have experienced the same issues these traumatised youngsters are now going through. They have successfully changed their lives and are now uniquely and powerfully placed to help others.
They know exactly how young people are groomed and lured in. They understand what it is like to be exploited and threatened by a gang leader.
They know that prolonged exposure to witnessing and committing acts of violence and degradation causes trauma and desensitisation.
They really know the terrible realities of life at the bottom of a county line food chain – realities which mean prison is not a deterrent but can seem a welcome escape.
THIS peer-led approach – using someone who has “been there” – brings many benefits. Given their experiences, our staff are extremely determined to help these young people. Alongside this they are trained, paid professionals meaning they have a legitimate career and income and are at negligible risk of returning to their old life.
Their training equips them with the skills to work with agencies such as police and local authorities so they can act as a trusted point of contact between them and the