INDEPENDENTACADEMIC RESEARCH STUDIESLondon Serious Youth Violence Board Practice Seminar, 29th March 2011

How can we better tackle serious youth violence together

Dr. Theo Gavrielides, Founder and Director

Starting from the end

Disproportionality and SYV are not seen by young people as criminal justice matters. They are society failures.

They are issues involving a culture that is informed by inequality, social exclusion, poverty, lack of respect and confidence in the system. They are also problems of identity, materialism, lack of shared values, easy money and the absence of positive role models.

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What do young people want?

1st A holistic approach that involves strong multi agency partnerships between criminal justice agents, social workers, housing officers, health service providers and educational institutions. The role of the VCS was particularly highlighted as well as its contribution at the neighbourhood level.  2nd If future policies, legislation and practices are to be effective in reaching and influencing young people, then they need to be informed by them. Youth empowerment and Youth Leadership are not myths. 3rd Work local because of the Global! Policies and legislation are important but it is what happens at the neighbourhood level, in housing associations, in youth clubs and where young people hang out that really has a direct impact on this culture.

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Is there a problem?

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Is there a problem?

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Ethnic Characteristics of TGAP identified Gang Members

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Lond

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Mer

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ide

Man

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West

Midl

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Policing Area

Per

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White

Black Caribbean

Other

Is there a problem?

In 2007 – 2008, BME communities accounted for:

-90% of teenage homicide victims-77% of teenage homicide perpetrators

Reminding the picture:•2007: 27 teenage homicides in London•2008: 29 teenage homicides in London•2009: 15 teenage homicides in London•2010: 20 teenage homicides in London

2010: There were 6722 young victims (below aged 20) of SYV in London (murder, attempted murder, GBH, weapon enabled violence)

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Public perceptions & evidence

The perception:Based on the LSYVB 2010 survey (1000 Londoners)•45% said they did not feel safe around teenagers •2/3 said that 5-50% of young Londoners are involved in SYV•70% said that London media portrayed teenagers negatives

The evidence:•0,07 of young people (below 20) are involved in SYV (1336 out of a population of 1,868,457)•There is correlation between “risk factors” and SYV (education, employment, training, financial security, social status) •There is correlation between being a victim and a suspect in SYV (the need to protect/ disengagement with the system)

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Youth-led research and youth led policy is not a myth In 2008, the Home Affairs Select Committee Inquiry report on Young Black People in the Criminal Justice system, recommended that in drawing a strategy for addressing serious youth violence involving black and ethnic minority groups, “the government needs to ensure young people themselves are consulted and that local and national organisations ensure young people’s views are systematically taken into account in forming and evaluating policy” (para. 211).

•Youth Advisory Board to the LSYVB•Plenty of best practices across the capital

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Continuing the work of the LSYVB

As a legacy partner, IARS will:

Manage and develop the 99% campaign•Confirmed Partners: Youth Justice Board, MPS, Anne Frank Trust, Foyer Federation, Jack Petchey Foundration, Clinks, London Councils (invited Princes Trust, YMCA, TFL, GLA)•Launch event 27th June, Middle Temple•99% Awards

Youth Advisory Board•Launch the report on safety in London Transport Hubs•Roll out the Board in other London services such as TFL

Provide youth led policy & voice

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Contact details

Dr. Theo GavrielidesFounder & Director, IARS3B Park Place, 10-12 Lawn LaneLondon SW8 1UD

T.Gavrielides@iars.org.uk020 8133 8317www.iars.org.uk

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