The Victorian Government has announced it will invest $19.8 million to establish a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), and a further $7.7 million for youth mentors, including a program to connect kids with reformed offenders.
The Government says the concept of the local VRU is based directly on the Violence Reduction Unit model in Glasgow and London, which has successfully reduced violent crime over time by targeting the problems early.
It will report directly to the Premier and:
- use police intelligence and data to find and address the root causes of violent crime;
- coordinate all existing crime prevention programs across Government;
- take a different approach, and engage directly with the community and young people;
- develop and deliver new programs to address gaps and emerging crime trends – with the first VRU program about connecting at-risk kids with mentors who are former youth offenders now living positive lives.
“When children commit brazen, violent crimes they should face serious consequences. But there are no easy solutions, and the best approach is to intervene early and stop crime before it starts. We’re doing both,” said Premier, Jacinta Allan.
“A Violence Reduction Unit worked overseas to reduce violent crime – and we’re bringing it to Victoria. They call it the Scottish model, but in the years to come, I want them to call it the Victorian model.”
“When I listen to the 16 Yards mentors and the incredible things they’ve achieved following their time in youth justice – in faith, fitness, business, community and more – it all makes sense. Violence is preventable, not inevitable.”
The first VRU was set up in Glasgow in 2005. According to the Guardian UK, the Scottish VRU achieved “radical change”. Now funded at $AU2.2 million per year, it has seen a 60% reduction in violent crime, with the greatest reduction taking place among younger age groups.
A VRU was also set up in London in 2018. The Unit’s director, Lib Peck, said her belief is, “We believe violence is preventable, not inevitable. We listen to local people and work alongside communities to deliver change, reduce violence and support young people and families.”
Since established, it has delivered over 400,000 opportunities and activities to disrupt violence, resulting in a 31% drop in homicide and a 28% fall in knife crime with injury among young people. A UK study found these programs prevented more than 3,000 hospital admissions for violent injury in England and Wales.
With $19.8 million in new funding, the VRU will start immediately, the Premier confirmed. Current Youth Justice Commissioner, Andrea Davidson, will serve as Interim CEO.
The Commissioner will recruit a permanent CEO with experience in working with communities to solve complex social problems. She will also set up a community reference group, bringing community organisations and leaders together to guide the Government on the key challenges and opportunities for the VRU.
The VRU has five key principles in its long-term fight to reduce youth crime:
- Taking a preventative and public health approach to address the root causes of violence;
- Coordinating across Government and local services so crime prevention works better, with fewer gaps;
- Using data and intelligence to target its interventions when and where they’re needed most;
- Investing in and delivering the programs that are proven to turn people away from crime;
- Engaging directly with the Victorian public and the communities most affected by violence.
The Government – through the VRU – will provide $7.7 million for mentoring, including for 16 Yards and the Centre for Multicultural Youth. That means more children under the wing of positive and relatable role models.
“Working right alongside communities, the VRU will help keep young people in school, open pathways into work, strengthen families and intervene early when there are clear signs a child is at risk,” said Attorney-General, Sonya Kilkenny.
“Lived-experience mentors show what’s possible when young people are supported by people who have walked in their shoes. That’s the type of intervention that changes lives, reduces offending and keeps the community safe,” said Minister for Youth Justice, Enver Erdogan.
