Preventing serious violence and diverting those most at risk of committing violent offences is the key aim of agencies across Wiltshire and Swindon as they come together to form the Violence Reduction Partnership.

Brought together by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Violence Reduction Partnership is made up of organisations such as Wiltshire Police, Swindon Borough Council, Probation Services, Wiltshire Council, NHS, Fire and Rescue and the Youth Justice Service and shares a vision to reduce serious violence incidents and make Wiltshire and Swindon Safer.

Whilst rates of serious violence in Wiltshire and Swindon are below the national and regional averages, the impact can be devastating on victims, their families, and the wider community.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson said: “We know all too well the immediate harmful consequences of serious violence and what we then see is the secondary trauma associated with that incident being carried forward and becoming a precursor to further harm and offences in our communities.

“We find ourselves caught in a trap of violence breeding violence and that’s why a public health approach is key in effectively driving down violent offences and identifying those most at risk of becoming offenders and victims.

“Reducing serious violence remains top of my agenda, and with the right organisations at the table we can address not only the symptoms of crime but also the underlying causes and consequences.”

The Serious Violence Duty places a legal obligation on specified authorities to work collaboratively to prevent and reduce serious violence, whilst Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for convening the partnership and monitoring its performance.

As part of this duty, the Violence Reduction Partnership received £210,000 from the Home Office to fund evidence-based initiatives primarily focused on upskilling professionals, early intervention and education.  

Initiatives funded so far include:

• Focussed deterrence, piloting in Devizes and targeting known young people that are most at risk and diverting them away from criminality.
• Street doctors, education sessions for children supported by youth justice teams teaching them how to treat and respond to injuries from sharp weapons or head injuries caused by violence
• WAY Beacons, A&E navigators in Great Western Hospital aiming to break the cycle of readmissions, crime, violence and risk-taking behaviour by engaging with young people aged 11-25 whilst in A&E and connecting them to ongoing support in their communities
• Trauma-Informed practice, specialist training for professionals to enable them to better understand how previous trauma influences behaviour and why adults and young people may react differently
• Swindon food truck, supporting young people to learn business and catering skills.
• Underpass art installation, young people supported by the Youth Justice Service teamed up with artist Dario Santos to paint Covingham underpass and improve the local environment for residents

Serious Violence Coordinator, Natasha Gell said: “The partnership has developed a strategic needs assessment, so we have a clear picture of serious violence in Wiltshire and Swindon, likely precursors, who was most at risk and public perception of serious violence in their neighbourhoods.

“We’re receiving positive outcomes from the initiatives funded so far and we’ll continue to work together to target those most at risk in addition to ensuring all young people have access to education and resources to reduce serious violence and make our communities safer for all.”

The strategic needs assessment provides an overview of serious violence in Wiltshire and Swindon and some analysis of why it happens, including the age groups of those most impacted and geographical areas. More information can be found on the OPCC website.  

Published Wednesday 17 July 2024