Young black people more likely to be victims of homicide
Young black people and black people generally are significantly more likely to be victims of homicide, latest study from Caroline Russell finds.
Between 2005 and 2020 there was a total of 2,140 homicides in London. Caroline has investigated the data behind the numbers to understand where problems lie and how we can reach a target of zero murders.
Since 2014 homicides committed using a knife or sharp implement have been steadily increasing and Home Office data since 1981 shows London’s homicide rate has been consistently higher than in other regions.
Caroline Russell says:
“Clearly, we aren’t doing enough if homicide rates have barely reduced since 2005.
“More than 2,000 lives have been violently cut short since then. That means more than 2,000 families living without a loved one, and more than 2,000 homicides that should have been prevented.
“To make matters worse, the disproportionality between different groups is staggering. Black communities are suffering the loss of too many young black lives. These are not just deaths, but whole families and communities throughout London, traumatised by violence.
“London as a city, should be aiming for zero homicides each year.
“The Mayor should set a goal of zero murders in London within 10 years in order to have a strategic goal to measure his progress against.
“We need bold action if we want to create a path to this urgently needed change.”
Domestic abuse homicides from 2005 to 2020 represent 16.8 per cent (361 out of 2,140) of the overall homicide deaths in London. However, the victims of domestic abuse homicides are overwhelming (74 per cent) women and mainly aged between 25-44, highlighting that domestic abuse homicides are disproportionally gendered.
The number of homicides of people aged 13-24 and 25-34 is consistently greater than any other age group.
YouGov poll in May of this year 43 per cent of Londoners said crime was the most urgent issue to be tackled by London, only behind housing. [1]
Notes to editors
Editors’ notes:
[1] https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2021/05/06/housin…
Caroline’s report is available here https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/caroline_russell_zero_mur…;
The recommendations from Caroline’s report are as follows:
Recommendation 1
The Mayor should set a goal of zero murders in London within 10 years in order to have a strategic goal, focused on prevention, to measure progress against
Recommendation 2
The Mayor should ensure that London’s Violence Reduction Unit has the resources to conduct Offensive Weapons Homicide Reviews effectively
Recommendation 3
The outcomes of the Offensive Weapons Homicide Review pilot should feed into the Mayor’s new Police and Crime Plan and be put at the heart of London’s policing
Recommendation 4
Offensive Weapons Homicide Reviews should look holistically at a person’s life and their interaction with public services and charities to learn lessons and correct processes to reduce the likelihood of another murder occurring
Recommendation 5
The Mayor should be ensuring that all recommendations produced by Domestic Homicide Reviews are assessed annually to monitor progress
Recommendation 6
The Mayor should commit to reviewing every murder that happens in London