How a pioneering Scottish violence reduction unit achieved radical change

Young people and youth workers have spoken of concern about the increasing role of technology in violence. Photograph: Andia/Alamy

Specialist units across England and Wales that take a public health approach to youth violence have prevented an estimated 3,220 hospital admissions for violent injury since they were introduced in 2018.

But they will only match the radical change achieved by the pioneering Scottish violence reduction unit (VRU) that inspired them if the government commits to long-term funding and support.