Violence Reduction Unit

The Violence Reduction Unit was established in January 2005 by the Strathclyde, Scotland police to target all forms of violent behaviour.^[1] The unit adopted a public health approach to violence as described in the WHO’s "World Report On Violence and Health" (2002). Its aims are to reduce violent crime and behaviour by working with agencies in fields such as health, education and social work; to achieve long-term societal and attitudinal change by focusing on enforcement; and to contain and manage individuals who carry weapons, or who are involved in violent behaviour. The unit also aims to explore best practices and develop sustainable, innovative solutions to the deep-rooted problem of violence.

National expansion

In April 2006, the Scottish Executive (now Government) extended the VRU’s remit nationwide, thus creating a national centre of expertise on violent crime to work alongside the Government’s Violence Reduction Team. As of 2011, Scotland is the only country in the world that uses a public health approach to combat violence, and the VRU are the only police members of the WHO’s Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA).

Funded in part by the Scottish Government, the VRU targets violence in all forms, including street violence, domestic abuse, school bullying and workplace bullying.

The VRU co-ordinates the Scottish Government / ACPOS Anti-Violence Campaign, which runs annually in forces across Scotland.

CIRV

In 2008 the VRU set up its gangs initiative, the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV),^[2] in the East End of Glasgow. Using a partnership approach that includes police, social services, education and other entities, the initiative counters gang activity through operational activity, diversion projects, and help with careers, education, and anger management. As of 2011, more than 400 young men have joined the initiative.^[3]

The unit works closely with medics from across Scotland in the Medics Against Violence charity,^[4] established by Dr. Christine Goodall, Dr. Mark Devlin, and Dr. David Koppel, all surgeons from Glasgow. The medics intervene with secondary pupils, educating on the risks around violence and its consequences. Together with the VRU the medics also provide training to dentists to intervene in domestic violence while the patient is in the dentist's chair.^[5]

Early intervention

A key part of the VRU’s work is developing early childhood initiatives that support parents and those involved in teaching young children. These initiatives aim to give children skills that will keep them from becoming involved in violence later in life.

The VRU has given evidence to Government finance committees on preventative spending in both England and Scotland, urging government support for parenting programmes and life skills development programmes as a way to reduce violence in the long run.

The unit is currently looking at implementing the sobriety bracelets (SCRAMx) used in the US to tackle binge drinking and alcohol us generally.^[6][7][8]

Leadership

The Violence Reduction Unit is led by Karyn McCluskey.

References

1. Action on Violence http://www.actiononviolence.co.uk/aov/48.81.39.html
2. http://www.actiononviolence.co.uk/content/cirv-helps-reduce-glasgow-gang-violence
3. Gavin Knight (24 September 2011). "The woman taking the fight to Glasgow's gangs". The Telegraph (London). Retrieved 1 June 2012.
4. http://www.medicsagainstviolence.org
5. Staff (2010). "MAV launch latest initiative". ACTIONONVIOLENCE.ORG.UK. Scottish Government Violence Reduction Team. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
6. http://www.yell.com/v/solicitors-criminal+records/introducing-the-no-booze-bangle.html
7. Gerry Braiden (29 October 2011). "Offenders to be fitted with US sobriety bracelets". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
8. "The battle of the bottle". The Economist. 3 December 2011.