The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) is marking its two decades of work with the launch of a landmark State of the Nation report and new social media campaign, unveiled today at an event titled Unfinished Business: The Next Twenty. Since its establishment in 2005, the SVRU has played a leading role in reducing violence […]

In July, the SVRU were invited to attend a Youth Opportunity Summit at St James’s Palace discussing violence impacting young people. The event, hosted by His Majesty the King, brought together youth organisations, frontline workers, the Prime Minister and actor Idris Elba amongst many others.  Jimmy Paul, Head of the SVRU, invited Sky from the

By Jimmy Paul, Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit This week’s release of Scotland’s homicide figures – standing at 43, the lowest homicide level on record in Scotland – gives pause for reflection. It is true that on many metrics, Scotland is safer than it has ever been. But each number represents a life

An event bringing together officers and staff who support young people in schools across Scotland has been hosted by the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit.   Throughout the day, a series of inputs were held looking at supporting positive engagement, and those attending heard from a range of speakers including Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum, One Community

Safer Internet Day* takes place on Tuesday, 11 February and presents an opportunity to focus on the online safety and wellbeing of children and young people.  Back in September 2024, the SVRU launched Quit Fighting for Likes alongside partners YouthLink Scotland and Medics Against Violence.   Quit Fighting For Likes is a national campaign aimed at starting

More than 400 people have shared their views in a community survey held in the Niddrie and Craigmillar area of Edinburgh.   The community needs assessment, which ran for four weeks in the summer of 2024, aims to help shape the future of the area.   Residents of the communities as well as those who work

What is the campaign?   The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an annual global campaign beginning on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It runs until December 10th – Human Rights Day.  Jimmy Paul, Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, discusses how vital it is for everyone to

Members of the SVRU have met with His Majesty The King during an event at Dumfries House in Ayrshire to discuss the importance of opportunities for young people. Representatives from various organisations and charities talked about their work in Ayrshire and Glasgow as well as across Scotland and the rest of the UK during the

A campaign to support young people to safely navigate social media and prevent violence has been launched. ‘Quit Fighting For Likes’ aims to get young people to think about and discuss attitudes and behaviours around the filming and sharing of violent incidents. Developed by the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU), YouthLink Scotland and Medics Against

The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit are joining No Knives, Better Lives at events across Scotland to support those working with young people vulnerable to violence. The first event is being held in the Borders on June 25th at Peebles Burgh Hall. An in-person training day, the event aims to help practitioners enhance their knowledge and