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 by focusing on prevention, early intervention and addressing the underlying causes of harm. The report reflects a deeper look at the last 20 years, while highlighting how the challenges facing children and young people have evolved, but that the need for collective action to build safer, more connected communities has never been greater.
To bring these insights beyond the report, the newly launched social media campaign “What You Pass Down, They Pass On” is designed to foster a national conversation regarding the unintended consequences that witnessing violence and aggression can have on a child’s development.
Jimmy Paul, Head of the SVRU, said:
“As we mark 20 years of the SVRU, this is not just a moment to reflect on progress, but to be honest about the challenges that remain. We live in an increasingly complex world, and it is our shared responsibility to create conditions for people to feel safe, connected and hopeful.
“Violence reduction is all our business, and we all have a role to play. This campaign sets out to educate and support adults on how their behaviours impact on the next generation. Scotland has already shown that, when people stand together with compassion and determination, we can make it a safer and more prosperous country for all. The public health approach, which Scotland has embraced, must continue to drive our progress. The next phase is ours to shape.”
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said:
“The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, funded by the Scottish Government, is internationally recognised as a centre for expertise in reducing violence.
“Transformational progress has been made over the past 20 years – homicide levels at their lowest ever recorded level and violence such as serious assault and attempted murder is down by more than half.
“We recognise there is much more to be done, however, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling violence in all its forms. Along with our record investment in policing, we continue to support the SVRU and other partners who play a key role in helping to implement the Scottish Government’s Violence Prevention Framework to make communities safer for everyone.”