The latest evaluation of the national VRU (VVU) programme (up until end of March 2024) is now available at Violence Reduction Units year ending March 2024 evaluation report – GOV.UK
This evaluation, commissioned by the Home Office, includes statistical analysis (based on all VRU areas) and qualitative research (based on some of the VRU areas, including the evaluation team visiting Essex and including Essex work in this element).
The headlines from the evaluation are overwhelmingly positive:
- There have been statistically significant reductions in hospital admissions for both assaults by sharp objects and any violence, among under-25s, for VRU areas. These reductions are approximately double that seen in the general population.
- These are strong indicators that VRUs are effectively reducing violence among young people.
- The evaluation concludes that the ‘public health’ approach being led by VRUs is very likely having a beneficial impact.
In addition, the evaluation notes the strategic leadership provided by VRUs and this evidence based early preventative approach is “making a significant contribution to the whole-systems approach to prevent violence. They (VRUs) have brought a strategic focus to violence prevention, established formal processes, and raised awareness among partners about their role in violence prevention. The VRUs have also facilitated partnership working, supported the building of local-level relationships, and helped to address emerging issues.”
