Violence reduction unit hails drop in homicides but says work unfinished

The head of a police initiative to reduce violence in Scotland has hailed a “massive” decline in homicides in the last 20 years, as it marks two decades since it was founded.

The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) unveiled a report titled Unfinished Business: The Next Twenty at a conference in Glasgow.

The unit was founded as part of Strathclyde Police to take a public health approach to tackling violence in Scotland, in particular by working with young men identified as being most likely to engage in violent behaviour.

The success of the programme led to it being extended nationwide through Police Scotland.

Jimmy Paul, head of the SVRU, told Press Association the homicide figure had seen a “massive reduction”, falling from 137 in 2005 to 45 last year.

He said: “The point that we’re making today, crucially, is that the work is unfinished.

“Forty-five homicides is far too many, any incidence of violence is far too many.”

Mr Paul stressed the role of adults in nurturing children to avoid violent lifestyles, as the SVRU launches a new social media campaign on the issue.

Gang violence is “less an issue” now than 20 years ago, he said, but violence is finding “new shadows to hide in” such as domestic settings.

He added: “As we mark 20 years of the SVRU, this is not just a moment to reflect on progress, but to be honest about the challenges that remain.

“We live in an increasingly complex world, and it is our shared responsibility to create conditions for people to feel safe, connected and hopeful.

“Violence reduction is all our business, and we all have a role to play. This campaign sets out to educate and support adults on how their behaviours impact on the next generation.

“Scotland has already shown that, when people stand together with compassion and determination, we can make it a safer and more prosperous country for all.”

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown also spoke at the conference in Glasgow.

She said: “The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, funded by the Scottish Government, is internationally recognised as a centre for expertise in reducing violence.

“Transformational progress has been made over the past 20 years – homicide levels at their lowest ever recorded level and violence such as serious assault and attempted murder is down by more than half.

“We recognise there is much more to be done, however, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling violence in all its forms.

“Along with our record investment in policing, we continue to support the SVRU and other partners who play a key role in helping to implement the Scottish Government’s Violence Prevention Framework to make communities safer for everyone.”