Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
A summit hosted by First Minister John Swinney aims to combat knife crime following a recent surge in incidents. The Scottish government announced an increase in funding for the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to over £1.2m, highlighting the urgency to address this issue. The tragic deaths of teenagers 16-year-old Kayden Moy and 15-year-old Amen Teklay have sparked a call to action, with arrests made in connection to both cases by Police Scotland.
The summit also sheds light on the gravity of knife crime, particularly after a stabbing incident at Portobello beach in Edinburgh led to a 16-year-old being charged with attempted murder. Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs emphasized the devastating consequences of carrying knives, reinforcing the need for preventive measures. Families affected by knife crime are also taking a stand, with plans for a march against knife violence organized by Kory McCrimmon’s family, who tragically lost their 16-year-old son to a stabbing last year.
Despite recent high-profile incidents, Police Scotland reports a positive decline in serious assaults by 11 to 18-year-olds, indicating progress in addressing youth violence. Additional funding for organizations like Medics Against Violence and the Mentors in Violence Prevention program underscore ongoing efforts to combat this issue. The summit, which will bring together key stakeholders and community representatives, aims to explore education and engagement strategies to deter youth from engaging in anti-social behavior or carrying weapons, focusing on prevention and intervention.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance reiterated Scotland’s commitment to safety while emphasizing the need for a collective effort to change attitudes towards violence. Concerns about underlying factors contributing to violence are central to addressing this issue, highlighting the necessity of supporting young people to make safer choices. The recent arrests of three teenage boys in connection to Amen’s death and the tragic loss of Kayden serve as poignant reminders of the impact of knife crime, reinforcing the urgency of preventive measures and community engagement initiatives
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.