How to continue living your life under the threat of knife crime
The latest police figures have revealed there was a 22% increase in the number of knife crime incidents last year.
This only factors in the cases that were reported to the authorities, which means the true extent of the problem may be even greater.
The same study shows that 33% of crimes involving knives and guns were recorded in London, with some parts of the capital suffering from higher rates of violence than others.
If you live in an area where knife crime is particularly common, you might feel fearful every time you leave the house. This is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, and you’re not alone, but we’ve put together some tips to help you cope if you find yourself feeling this way.
Use perspective
Even with the current surge in knife crime incidents, London is still one of the safest cities in the world, and towns like Northampton are no different.
It’s also important to recognise that the anxieties you feel because of the widespread news coverage of knife crime are entirely understandable, and that ignoring them altogether can be just as problematic as allowing them to dictate how you live your life.
The chances of you being affected by knife crime are still very low. It’s therefore important not to adjust your life or expect to be attacked at any given moment; you’re still living in a safe country that benefits from extremely good police protection, and there is far more good in communities than there is crime.
Remain vigilant
There’s no A-to-Z guide for avoiding knife crime if you live in a part of the country where incidents occur regularly, but vigilance and common sense will go a long way in keeping you and others in your community safe.
Vigilance is also important when it comes to preventing the spread of knife crime – especially among younger people.
If you have children of your own, live with youngsters or are in regular contact with them as part of your work, looking out for the signs that they might be tempted to carry a knife can save lives.
Sometimes, it’s people who have been victims of crime that choose to arm themselves in public. This isn’t the solution, and under no circumstances should you or anyone else decide to take a weapon onto the streets if you feel threatened by knife crime.
What to do after witnessing a knife crime
If you do see a crime of this kind taking place, it’s important not to get involved and to instead contact the authorities as soon as it is safe to do so.
As with any crime, the first step is to report what you have witnessed to the police as quickly as possible. They’ll talk you through what you need to do next and will provide information and support, if necessary.
Always avoid purposefully putting yourself in harm’s way. It’s equally necessary to recognise that witnessing knife crime is likely to be a very traumatic experience, and seeking professional support afterwards (whenever you feel ready) could help you process what you’ve seen and start the process of recovery.
If you need to talk to someone about knife crime, we’re here to help
The team at Voice is always ready to listen if you need support. Whether you have been witness to or a victim of knife crime – no matter when or where it took place – we’ll work with you to help you cope, recover and thrive.
Contact us today to get confidential, impartial guidance that will set you on the road to recovery.