Maria Miller MP met with Karen Dawes, Lead of the Violence Reduction Unit for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Simon Bryant Director of Public Health and Lead of the Hampshire Violence Reduction Unit.
The VRU was set up in September 2019 with funding from central Government and brings partners from Police, Probation, Education, Health and Local Authorities together with young people and communities to develop a joined up approach to preventing and tackling serious violence.
Maria Commented; “ It was good to meet with Karen and Simon and hear first-hand how the VRU aims to have a joined up approach in tackling Violent Crime in Hampshire. It is vital that we understand what triggers violent Crime and then make sure that public money is used in the most effective way. Early intervention is key and the VRU ensures that professionals are working together to prevent and reduce crime.”
The VRU is inviting the public to share their thoughts and views on reducing violence across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.
The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has opened a call for evidence to hear the thoughts, views, experiences and suggestions on the development of the VRU, but in particular, what interventions are required locally to prevent and tackle serious violence in our policing area.
Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Southampton is in the top 18 of 43 policing areas most affected by knife crimes. As a result, Hampshire has been selected by the Home Office to set up a VRU.
Serious violence has a significant and life changing impact upon individuals, their loved ones and the communities in which they live and the need to take action and prevent such violence is clear.
The VRU would be grateful for your thoughts but also for your help in sharing this call for evidence to capture as many views as possible. To access the survey online please see: https://www.surveygizmo.eu/s3/90206602/Call-for-evidence-Violence-Reduction-Unit
The call for evidence closes on 14 February 2020.