Response to Home Office evaluation of Violence Reduction Units

Today Roger Hirst, PFCC for Essex and Chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership spoke about the recent Home Office evaluation into Violence Reduction Units.

The report praises the work of VRUs and notices the impact they are having on crime, with a recommendation that central government continues to fund their work.

Since the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit was established in 2019 Essex Hospitals have seen over 50% reduction in admissions due to knife harm, and a 24% reduction in knife crime across the county.

Essex is bucking the national trend, our results are in contrast to what is happening nationally. Our early intervention programme providing the right support at the right time is critical to ending knife violence within our communities and means less children, young people and the vulnerable preyed on – we know what works and we are continuing to drive change in our county

The Violence and Vulnerability Partnership is working hard to support children, young people and their families to build stronger communities and make Essex a safe place to live, work and grow up in.