Introduction to the Serious Violence Duty

Serious violence has a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their families, generating fear within communities and incurring significant costs for society. Since 2014, incidents of serious violence have been on the rise in England and Wales, with a concerning 84% increase in offences involving knives or sharp instruments recorded between June 2014 and June 2020.

To tackle this growing issue, the Serious Violence Duty was implemented in January 2023. The Duty is a key part of the government’s effort to foster collaboration and strategic planning at a local level, aiming to prevent and reduce serious violence. With a multi-agency approach and a focus on understanding the causes and consequences of serious violence using a public health approach, the objective is to prioritise prevention and early intervention.

Delivered by the Violence Reduction Partnership for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, the Introduction to the Serious Violence Duty webinar is for professionals whose role involves serious violence reduction. It is relevant to a range of agencies, including local authorities, police, fire and rescue authorities, health authorities, criminal justice agencies, youth offending teams, educational authorities, prisons and youth custody agencies.

Learning outcomes   Understand what the Serious Violence Duty means to you and your organisation. Gain an overview of the public health approach and why it is important. Apply your learning from theory to practice using real-life case studies. Access further information and resources to support you in your role.