1. Safe in East Sussex
  2. Keeping communities safe
  3. Preventing violent crime

Preventing violent crime

Violent crime has tragic consequences for the victim, their loved ones and the local community.

East Sussex is a relatively safe place to live, although we recognise the importance of being proactive to keep East Sussex safe.

Some young people carry a knife. This is because they worry about becoming a victim of knife crime or because they think that carrying a knife may protect them.

Unfortunately, carrying a knife actually increases their chance of becoming hurt. The easiest and most common place for young people to get a knife is from the family home.

Spot the signs

If you think something isn’t quite right with a child or young person you know, then consider other less obvious warning signs, including:

  • They have become withdrawn.
  • Their school or college is reporting worrying changes in their behaviour.
  • They have lost interest in hobbies and are vague about their movements.
  • They have changed their group of friends.
  • They are secretive about their belongings.

There are other reasons why young people might show these behaviours, but if you do spot any signs talk to them. Discuss their views on knife crime, and whether they would ever consider carrying a knife. Ask if they feel safe when they go out, and if not, why not?

Where to get help

Crimestoppers

If you have information about knife crime or the people behind it, Call 0800 555 111 or visit Weapons crime | Crimestoppers

They never ask for your personal details, only what you know about crime.

Tell them what you know and stay 100% anonymous. Always.

Help in your local area

For local parenting support contact our family adviceline Family hubs.

Families can help each other – speak to the families of your child’s friends. If you’re worried, chances are they have concerns about their child too. Working together can be a valuable way to look out for each other and help keep your children safe.

Family Lives offers a free confidential helpline for families. Call 0808 800 2222 for emotional support and guidance on all aspects of parenting and family life.

The Serious Violence Duty

The Serious Violence Duty came into effect in January 2023 across England and Wales. This requires local services to work together to prevent and reduce serious violence.

In East Sussex we reduce violent crime through working with partners to:

  • Adopt early intervention and prevention approaches.
  • Identify and support victims of serious violence and criminal and sexual exploitation.
  • Support high harm adult offenders change their behaviour
  • Take a contextual safeguarding approach to empower and engage the community. This considers issues outside the home, such as schools, neighbourhoods, and online spaces.

East Sussex Violence and Exploitation Reduction Partnership

The partnership unites Police, local authorities, the NHS, Public Health, criminal justice, and community organisations. With an aim to identify and tackle the root causes of violent crime and exploitation.

The Focus areas for Serious Violence and Exploitation are:
•    Children displaying risky behaviour. 
•    Children not engaging in education.
•    Young males aged between 18 and 25.
•    Deprived urban areas.
•    Town centre nighttime economies.
•    Criminal or sexual exploitation of vulnerable adults.