Serious Violence Duty & ARU
Rebecca Cooke, Victoria Gadd & Paul Nelson
Violence is a public health issue as it is a major cause of ill-health, poor well-being and is strongly linked to inequalities. In 2018, the government published its Serious Violence Strategy to tackle the escalation of knife crime, gun crime and homicides across England.
To support professionals to prevent and reduce violence the Home Office Serious Violence Duty 2022 was introduced as part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, and came into force on 31st January 2023. The Duty required specified authorities (Police; Local Authorities; Integrated Care Boards; Fire & Rescue; Probation and Youth Justice Services) to collaboratively scope and understand the drivers behind violence, with a particular focus on youth violence. Tasked with undertaking a Strategic Needs Assessment (SNA), specified authorities using a whole system approach published Cambridgeshire & Peterborough’s plan to tackle serious violence in December 2023. Home Office funding supports agencies to implement local initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing violence.
This presentation provides a brief overview of The Duty and one of the new initiatives within Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. An A&E discharge pathway which aims to reduce hospital re-admissions for knife and sharp object injuries is being co-designed. Young people aged 13- under 18 years who are involved in serious violence are risk assessed and then offered a place at the Trusted Adult Scheme within Anglia Ruskin University where they can engage in diversional activities and have the opportunity to return to education, employment, or training. The scheme was piloted in 2023 and the positive impact this service has had on young people will be shared.
