East Suffolk Council
Serious Violence Duty
What is Serious Violence?
The Home Office Serious Violence Strategy shows that since 2014, specific types of serious violence have been increasing faster than other crime types. Specifically, homicide, knife crime, gun crime and county lines drug dealing have increased significantly. The new duty however also widens the scope for each area to include other forms of serious violence, for example, robbery, aggravated burglary, assaults, arson endangering life, modern slavery, sexual assault, exploitation and disorder.
Serious violence has a devastating impact on victims and their families, instils fear within communities and is extremely costly to society. Incidents of serious violence have increased and all local authority areas have challenges and opportunities in preventing and responding to serious violence.
What is the Serious Violence Duty?
Following a public consultation in July 2019, the Government announced a new Serious Violence Duty which will ensure relevant public services work together to share data and knowledge, and allow them to target interventions to prevent and reduce serious violence.
Find out more about the Serious Violence Duty at Serious Violence Duty - Statutory Guidance (publishing.service.gov.uk).
Who are the duty holders?
- Suffolk Constabulary
- Suffolk County Council
- Suffolk Youth Offending Teams
- Probation Service
- All Suffolk district and borough councils
- Integrated Care Boards
- Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
In addition to the duty holders, other settings are expected to be involved in decision making including the police and crime commissioner, educational settings, prisons and secure estates, the voluntary sector, businesses and communities.
For more information and to read the Suffolk Serious Violence Strategy please go to Serious Violence Duty - Suffolk County Council.
How do I report Serious Violence?
Call the Police on 999 if in immediate danger or call 101 for non-emergencies.
Where can I get support?
If you are a victim of serious violence, you can contact Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care by calling 0300 303 3706.