Transitional Journeys and Contemporary Adversity: Practitioner Insights

Abstract

This chapter discusses how a public health approach to violence prevention has been put in place in Scotland over the last 10–15 years. The public health approach to violence and its prevention was set out by the World Health Organization (WHO), and it focuses on addressing the social determinants of gang violence and weapon carrying. The chapter offers initial insights from interviews with practitioners in and around Glasgow to present case study illustrations of pioneering and high-profile projects and initiatives associated with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) as well as complementary educational and youth outreach initiatives. Drawing on these insights, the chapter suggests that these interventions have contributed to the alleged decline in gang violence. However, the chapter also draws on practitioners' perspectives to begin to suggest that entrenched systemic issues such as poverty and social inequality may be throwing up an intersection of wider adversities for disadvantaged youth.