SCOTLAND’S Justice Secretary has announced plans for major research to look into violent crime.
In an announcement coinciding with the publication of recorded crime statistics, Humza Yousaf said the 16-month project will focus on those who are repeat victims of violent crime, in particular those living in some of the most deprived areas of Scotland.
Researchers will also speak to people dealing with homelessness, substance misuse and previous convictions. The figures showed a 10% rise in non-sexual violent crime between 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Yousaf said: “Our £20 million investment in violence prevention since 2007 has helped reduce violent crime to levels now 43% lower than in 2006-07 but any rise requires us to redouble efforts to secure the gains made over the last decade.
“As well as continued investment in policing, in the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and projects such as No Knives, Better Lives, Mentors in Violence Prevention and Navigators, I have commissioned a major study into repeat violent victimisation.
“While fewer than one in every 100 adults is a victim of repeated incidents of violence, these accounted for around three-fifths of violent crime.
“This research will help police, and local and national government, better understand the nature of repeat violence – including the role of substance misuse – and ensure we focus our efforts on those most affected by violence wherever it persists.”
Police Scotland deputy chief constable Malcolm Graham said: “Police Scotland cleared up an additional 89 crimes per week on average compared to the year before and increased detection rates are to be welcomed. We have seen a large increase in reports of rape and sexual offences since the formation of Police Scotland.
“It is crucial those affected by these crimes feel confident about coming forward and reform of policing has transformed how we approach these cases.
“While violence and carrying weapons remain at historically low levels, it is entirely unacceptable. Initiatives include local and national campaigns presented at schools such as No Knives Better Lives and the One Punch campaign.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel