Introduction
We are working on the content of this page – please send any feedback and suggestions to communitysafetyteam@somerset.gov.uk
Welcome to Somerset Violence Reduction Unit. This webpage offers you an insight into the work of the Somerset Violence Reduction Unit and gives access to resources that can help recognise, prevent and respond to concerns about violent crimes.
It is designed to help the work of professionals and community groups who have contact with people who may be affected by violence.
We are a multi-agency group of professionals working under the umbrella of Safer Somerset Partnership to set up a specialist Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).
About us
Between November 2015 and March 2019, homicide and violence with injury cost Avon and Somerset nearly £765 million. The costs to society more broadly (through, for example, lost output or long-term physical and mental illness), though more difficult to quantify, are likely to be far greater, and longer lasting.
Homicide and Violence with Injury are prominent components of serious violence. However, the categorisation used in this document incorporates other types of offence. As such, we underestimate the total costs of serious violence. Tackling serious violence and breaking this destructive cycle is a priority for the Government; and particularly so given recent increases in serious violence nationally. To facilitate effective, local multi-agency responses to serious violence, the Government has allocated £35 million to PCCs in 18 local areas, including Avon and Somerset, to set up Violence Reduction Units.
Projects
We are providing extra resources to help fund projects that help prevent violent crimes.
Past projects include:
Stand Against Violence VRU Prevention Programme
Delivering workshops to young people from schools targeted for their rates of school exclusions. Offering young people insight into the risk and consequences that comes with serious violence as well as to help them build resilience to reduce the likelihood of future involvement.
P2i Programme of interventions for young people
A suit of interventions designed to support young people within the P2i accommodation as well to support and educate staff.
*Ongoing projects on hold due to Covid 19 precautions
Information
Educational resources
Youth and Policing Education Hub – https://www.youthandpolicing.co.uk/
Partner Services
Somerset Survivors – http://www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk/somerset-integrated-domestic-abuse-service/
Impact Pathways – www.impactpathways.org.uk
Pathways to Independence (P2i) – https://www.p2i.org.uk/
Somerset Serious Violence Reduction Strategy 2020-21
Somerset Serious Violence Reduction Unit Needs Assessment Executive Summary
Downloads
Somerset VRU Research – social media and cultural norms (in relation to violence and exploitation)
Contact the team
If you have any questions about this page or the work of Somerset Violence Reduction Unit, please email communitysafetyteam@somerset.gov.uk