When young people in Lincolnshire become involved in violent crime and associated offences, the outcome can be devastating and life-changing for both the victims and perpetrators.
The path to criminality and violence is a complex one, with varying causal factors for each person, however, particular pathways can make our young people more vulnerable to those looking to exploit others for criminal gain. These include, not engaging with education, training or employment, having low self-esteem or aspirations, not recognising or seeking help for potential mental health concerns and witnessing or being the victim of violence, either in the home or the community from a young age.
By addressing the root causes of violence and providing targeted support, we have the potential to make a significant impact on reducing future violence and improving the quality of life for the youths in our communities.
The Gainsborough Community Links project is a unique initiative funded by the PCC to work intensively with unconvicted youths aged 11-21 years old who may be at risk of entering the criminal justice system. The aim of the project is to tackle the issue of rising youth violence and criminality, by focusing on early intervention and providing tailored support to at-risk youths.