Youth Commission Propels Partnership Purge on Violent Crime

The West Yorkshire Youth Commission is helping to set out the future response to serious violence across the county.

They’re addressing local organisations, projects and groups at the latest Violence Reduction Partnership showcase event in Wakefield on Monday 4th December.

It brings together key agencies across the county, working to find new solutions to community issues.

In October, the Youth Commission announced their findings and recommendations after peer research with over 1300 young people.

They focused on priority areas including:

• Rehabilitation and Prevention
• Community Relationships and Life
• Attitudes and Violence Towards Women & Girls
• Gangs, Drugs, and Knife Crime

The Youth Commission members will now be discussing the next steps with partners.

Lois has been looking at the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls and said:

“I would like to see education on sexism, misogyny and how different viewpoints can actually lead to serious violence and serious crimes.

“For example, things young might see online. Opinions or videos that actually can indoctrinate people and young people especially, in a way they don’t understand.

“Maybe education through school, but also outside of schools.”

Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, Det Ch Supt Lee Berry said:

“The Youth Commission has a significant role to play in shaping our response to serious violent crime and the showcase event is a great opportunity to achieve this.

“The insights gathered from young people mean we can now focus our collective attention to the areas of greatest need and apply the necessary partnership expertise.

“By honing our efforts and understanding what works, we can protect our young people from harm to a greater extent.”

The event will also see young people delivering a drama performance and key speakers talking about local interventions, stalking research, and engagement.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE is opening the event and added:

“It is vital that we incorporate the Youth Commission’s recommendations and findings into our day-to-day work.

“That means investing and committing to them as a partnership.

“There is some fantastic work taking place to address serious violent crime, and by listening and acting, together we can make a real difference.”

Watch the video on Youtube