In the past decade, police recorded offenses involving knives or sharp instruments have surged by an alarming 81%. Young people and teenagers are now twice as likely to be victims of knife crime compared to ten years ago.
So, what can we do to prevent knife crime and safeguard children and young people?
To address this critical issue, OpenView Education offers interactive Knife Crime Workshops and Assemblies that take an early intervention approach. Our workshops cater for Upper KS2 and Year 7 students, providing age-appropriate content that engages and educates them about this pressing problem.
In our workshops, students will gain:
- Effective strategies for managing peer pressure and making tough decisions.
- Insights into keeping themselves and others safe.
- Information on where to seek support and advice.
- Awareness of potential risks and actionable steps to take.
- An understanding of the broader impact of knife crime beyond the immediate victim and perpetrator.
- Knowledge on fostering supportive and respectful friendships.
- Skills to handle challenging conversations with both peers and adults.
During our Knife Crime Assembly, we explore the concept of Joint Enterprise.
What is Joint Enterprise?
Joint Enterprise is a legal concept in UK law where two or more people can be arrested and held responsible for the same crime, even if only one person actually committed the criminal act.
For instance, if Person A commits a crime and Person B was present, knew it could happen, or encouraged it, both could be held liable under joint enterprise. This means that even if Person B didn’t physically commit the crime, they can still be prosecuted because their actions or presence are seen as contributing to the crime.
The core message for students to take away from this part of the workshop is that if we know someone might be planning something illegal, the safest action is to remove yourself from the situation and inform a trusted adult. This is one way in which the workshops support young people to make positive choices.
Our Knife Crime Workshops and Assemblies are being delivered in schools throughout the UK, if you would like to arrange a workshop for your school, please get in touch here.
