Knife Crime: A Global Perspective

The pandemic of knife crime is taking lives and tearing communities apart, not just in the UK but worldwide. In England and Wales, there were approximately 50,500 knife-related offenses in the year ending March 2024, accounting for about 41% of all homicides. Globally, knife-related homicides account for a significant portion of violent deaths. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s 2019 Global Study on Homicide, knives were the weapon of choice in 97,183 homicides in 2017, representing 22% of the world’s total homicides.

The prevalence of knife-related homicides varies by region. In Europe, for instance, knives are used in nearly 40% of homicides, whereas in North America, they account for less than 20%, with firearms being more prevalent. The growing violence does highlight societal breakdown.

Many factors contribute to this crisis: funding cuts to youth services, the growing influence of social media in escalating violence and lack of safe spaces for young people. Socioeconomic disparities, gang activity, and drug-related conflicts also play significant roles in the rise of knife crime. In urban areas where opportunities for employment and education are scarce, the young people often turn to crime as a means of survival or protection. Furthermore, the normalisation of knife carrying among youth has exacerbated the issue, with some individuals believing they need to carry a weapon for self-defense, due to over stretched police resources in inner cities.

High-profile campaigns, like Idris Elba’s documentary Our Knife Crime Crisis, have helped highlight the issue, but more needs to be done. Governments and law enforcement agencies are working to tackle knife crime through stricter legislation, stop-and-search policies, and harsher penalties for carrying bladed weapons. However, these measures alone are not enough. Community-led initiatives, such as mentorship programs, outreach services, and school-based interventions, have proven effective in steering young people away from violence.

Education and early intervention are key to preventing knife crime. Schools and community centers must work together to educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives and the consequences of pursuing violent behavior. Public awareness campaigns, such as the UK’s #NoKnivesBetterLives initiative, aim to change perceptions and reduce the fear-driven culture that leads to knife carrying. Additionally, supporting the charities and grassroots organisations working directly with at-risk communities can help address the root causes of knife crime.

Beyond England, regions such as Scotland have successfully reduced knife crime through a public health approach to this, treating violence as an epidemic that requires prevention and rehabilitation rather than solely punitive measures. The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) in Scotland, established in 2005, has implemented a range of strategies, including mediation, youth engagement, and mental health support, leading to a dramatic decrease in knife-related offenses. This community approach is more effective to help reduce the violence from knives.

What can we do? Advocate for better funding for youth programs, challenge the normalisation of violence in music and through social media, and support charities that work directly with at-risk communities. Additionally, policymakers must focus on addressing any underlying social issues, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of education, to create long-term solutions toward reducing knife crime. By fostering collaboration between governments, communities, and individuals, we can work towards a safer future for all. This is why EMMA was formed in 1997 to help society to foster positive role models, and create a Multicultural community to create a sense of belonging.