INDEPENDENT ACADEMIC RESEARCH STUDIES London Serious Youth Violence Board Practice Seminar, 29 th March 2011 How can we better tackle serious youth violence together Dr. Theo Gavrielides, Founder and Director

Starting from the end Disproportionality and SYV are not seen by young people as criminal justice matters. They are society failures. They are issues involving a culture that is informed by inequality, social exclusion, poverty, lack of respect and confidence in the system. They are also problems of identity, materialism, lack of shared values, easy money and the absence of positive role models. 01

What do young people want? 1 st A holistic approach that involves strong multi agency partnerships between criminal justice agents, social workers, housing officers, health service providers and educational institutions. The role of the VCS was particularly highlighted as well as its contribution at the neighbourhood level. 2 nd If future policies, legislation and practices are to be effective in reaching and influencing young people, then they need to be informed by them. Youth empowerment and Youth Leadership are not myths. 3 rd Work local because of the Global! Policies and legislation are important but it is what happens at the neighbourhood level, in housing associations, in youth clubs and where young people hang out that really has a direct impact on this culture. 02

Is there a problem? 03 London ManchesterWest Midlands MerseysideTotal Total sample (N) Mean age Mean age first conviction % Ethnicity Black Caribbean White Other Mean no. of convictions % with a youth conviction (<18) % that have been convicted of a: Summary offence (excluding motoring) Drug offence Violent offence (inc robbery) Theft Summary motor offences Burglary Acquisitive offence (burglary and theft) Criminal damage

Is there a problem? 04

Is there a problem? In 2007 – 2008, BME communities accounted for: -90% of teenage homicide victims -77% of teenage homicide perpetrators Reminding the picture: 2007: 27 teenage homicides in London 2008: 29 teenage homicides in London 2009: 15 teenage homicides in London 2010: 20 teenage homicides in London 2010: There were 6722 young victims (below aged 20) of SYV in London (murder, attempted murder, GBH, weapon enabled violence) 05

Public perceptions & evidence The perception: Based on the LSYVB 2010 survey (1000 Londoners) 45% said they did not feel safe around teenagers 2/3 said that 5-50% of young Londoners are involved in SYV 70% said that London media portrayed teenagers negatives The evidence: 0,07 of young people (below 20) are involved in SYV (1336 out of a population of 1,868,457) There is correlation between “risk factors” and SYV (education, employment, training, financial security, social status) There is correlation between being a victim and a suspect in SYV (the need to protect/ disengagement with the system) 06

Youth-led research and youth led policy is not a myth In 2008, the Home Affairs Select Committee Inquiry report on Young Black People in the Criminal Justice system, recommended that in drawing a strategy for addressing serious youth violence involving black and ethnic minority groups, “the government needs to ensure young people themselves are consulted and that local and national organisations ensure young people’s views are systematically taken into account in forming and evaluating policy” (para. 211). Youth Advisory Board to the LSYVB Plenty of best practices across the capital 07

Continuing the work of the LSYVB As a legacy partner, IARS will: Manage and develop the 99% campaign Confirmed Partners: Youth Justice Board, MPS, Anne Frank Trust, Foyer Federation, Jack Petchey Foundration, Clinks, London Councils (invited Princes Trust, YMCA, TFL, GLA) Launch event 27 th June, Middle Temple 99% Awards Youth Advisory Board Launch the report on safety in London Transport Hubs Roll out the Board in other London services such as TFL Provide youth led policy & voice 08

Contact details Dr. Theo Gavrielides Founder & Director, IARS 3B Park Place, Lawn Lane London SW8 1UD