Researchers at the University of Bristol are joining forces with Bristol City Council and other partners in a bid to help reduce knife crime locally and beyond.
The team of multi-disciplinary experts, spanning criminology, sociology, politics, policy, medicine, and law, has started a rapid review to gather evidence and best practice from across the globe in effectively addressing the issue.
Its findings will be used to generate key recommendations for consideration in the city, and share more widely, as part of a multi-agency approach to reduce serious youth violence.
Dr Jade Levell, Senior Lecturer in Social and Public Policy at the University's School for Policy Studies, who is leading the review, said: "Experiencing violence in childhood is tragic for all involved; for young people directly impacted; their families; wider peer groups; and for the whole community.
"Violence is not inevitable, and we need to find ways to effectively reach our vulnerable and often marginalised young people. With a team working collaboratively across diverse academic disciplines within the University we aim to enhance understanding of what matters to young people, the challenges they face, and support the city's work through research and evidence-based recommendations."
Dr Levell has published three books on these issues and the research team encompasses expertise in international and community conflict, peace building, gender-based violence, urban youth culture, policing practice and policy, as well as stab-wound emergency hospital care.
Researchers will also be engaging with local young people directly affected by violence to further understand the issue and its impact on society.
Earlier this year former Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees convened representatives from the police, community groups, public health bodies, schools and universities in the city, including the University of Bristol, to help tackle serious violent street crime. He called on academics to use their "intellectual firepower" to support organisations in deploying a rigorous, insightful approach which harnesses better data.
Under the new administration, Cllr Tony Dyer, the new Leader of Bristol City Council has reaffirmed his commitment to address this critical issue. The academic researchers have been joining City Serious Youth Crime roundtable discussions coordinated by the Bristol City Office, as part of a holistic approach which includes community partners working with young people.
Christina Gray, Director for Communities and Public Health at Bristol City Council, said: "This is excellent news and will enable the city to benefit from the academic expertise of the University of Bristol alongside our city's experts and other partners across the region, through our One City approach."
Further work is underway in tandem with Policy Bristol to match up research endeavours with city challenges through the creation of an interdisciplinary academic hub. This will involve forging international relationships with cities worldwide facing similar problems and sharing best practice.
Professor Palie Smart, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Civic Engagement, said: "Researchers within the University work tirelessly to enhance our understanding of complex social issues such as this. In the process of initiating an interdisciplinary academic hub to support the city, I am struck by the passion and dedication of researchers who care deeply about the issues facing young people today. As a Global Civic University we are proud to support this important collaboration and that our researchers can help generate a positive impact in local communities and share insights with international partners."
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: "Tackling knife crime is an urgent priority, and one that demands that we use the full range of resources available to us as a city. A multi-agency approach is vital and the rapid review to gather evidence and best practice from across the globe, initiated by the University of Bristol, is very welcome. Their research will play an important role in our continuing efforts to protect our city's young people."
