Youth violence and knife crime in ethnic minorities in the UK: A review of the literature.

Journal: The International journal of social psychiatry

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Affiliated Institutions:  Central North West London NHS Trust, London, UK. University of Foggia, Carapelle (FG), Italy. Springfield Hospital, London, UK. Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London, UK.

Abstract summary 

Youth violence and knife crime is increasing dramatically, so much so it has been described as a global epidemic. The social, economic and political forces fuelling this rise mean that minority groups are particularly affected.This paper reviews the literature primarily from a UK perspective, and illustrates the disparate factors that are influencing the rise in youth violence and knife crime and illustrates the complexities of integrating the perspectives of different disciplines into coherent intervention strategies.We conducted a systematic review of the literature that explores both the causes of increasing youth violence and knife crime as well as some of the interventions that have attempted to deal with the problem.A complex interplay of social, economic, mental health and political factors underpin the increase in youth violence and knife crime. An uneasy tension exists between a traditional criminal justice system-based approach based upon deterrence and punishment, and a more liberal preventative model focusing on adolescent mental health. None of the interventions thus far have been particularly effective.Youth violence and knife crime is a global social issue that causes untold suffering to individuals, families and communities as well as fear that reverberates through society. Interventions have often been devised through the lens of particular disciplines or ideologies. Integrating these perspectives into a coherent approach that is actually effective demands greater co-operation, dialogue and mutual understanding between disciplines and agencies, as well as a robust framework for the evidence-based assessment of outcomes.

Authors & Co-authors:  Gwata Ventriglio Hughes Deahl

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1177/00207640231221098
SSN : 1741-2854
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
ethinic minorities;knife crime;mental health;youth violence
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
England