VRU Evidence Hub

This report provides a comprehensive needs assessment to better understand increasing concerns around Child/ Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (CAPVA) and address the evidence gap regarding CAPVA in London.

The University of Bath were commissioned by London's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to research how to improve student' inclusion across London's schools. Research shows that to be included, students must feel a sense of school belonging. The report captures students' perspectives on what they need to feel a sense of belonging and safety in school, as well as views of education leaders, practitioners and parents. The research informed the development of our Inclusion Charter.

Violence is highly geographically concentrated in specific areas in London. This research focuses on nine London neighbourhoods to understand drivers of violence. It enables a localised understanding of issues and informs the VRU's approach to place-based violence prevention.

In light of the increased amount of time young people spent online during the pandemic, the VRU commissioned an in-depth exploration of online harms looking at 'acceptable' use, regulation, and the experiences of marginalised young people online. The report sets out 7 key recommendations and young people's calls for action.

Project 10/10 works with young people using an authentic youth-led approach and a peer-referral outreach model of delivery. This VRU funded report was delivered by a consortium led by Camden & Islington NHS Trust and provides insight and learning into community-based crisis intervention and trauma support for young people through the lens of the 10/10 project.

Acting on concerns highlighted by our Young Person's Action Group, the VRU commissioned University College London to investigate the impact on young people of using knife imagery in social media posts; the research is supplemented by peer-led research on the issue.

VRU has commissioned Dartington Service Design lab to conduct research mapping trauma-informed and trauma-responsive understanding and practice across London. Linking to the Serious Violence Duty, the research focuses on Local Authorities, the Metropolitan Police Service and Integrated Care Boards. The research will establish a baseline of trauma-informed practice across London from which the VRU can support borough partnerships, cross-sector knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The VRU commissioned The Behaviour Insights Team to work with the Metropolitan Police in developing a framework better understand homicide, how situational and behavioural factors interact, and how we can work in partnership to identify opportunities to intervene earlier. The report details the development and validation of the framework.

The VRU has commissioned Crest Advisory to carry out a pan-London Strategic Needs Assessment of violence (SNA). The SNA will draw on information and intelligence across partner organisations, conducting a thematic analysis of the first iteration of 32 Local Authority level Strategic Needs Assessments, delivered in line with the Serious Violence Duty. Drawing on the VRU's objectives and priority areas and supplemented with analysis of pan-London crime and public health trends, the output will increase our understanding of the types, distribution and extent of violence across the capital. The SNA's findings will be used by the VRU and partners to inform a strategy containing specific recommendations for action.

The Behavioural Insights team delivered the VRU's initial Strategic Needs Assessment (SNA) in 2020, bringing together existing evidence and new analysis and insights to inform the VRU's approach to violence prevention in London.