Homicide rates in London are higher than rates in New York for the first time in history. The Guardian (2018) reported that “The Met said on Wednesday that it had recorded since the start of 2018 – including the deaths of two children whose bodies were found in Sussex”. Predicted statistics say, if this year’s homicide continues there could be more than 180 murders in London for the first time since 2005.
Why is this happening and what are the contributing factors to killings of our young people?
It is suggested that youth violence may be influenced by drill music and social media. According to Keir Irwin-Rogers and Craig Pinkney (Catch22. 2017) “The integration of social media into the daily lives of young people has left online–offline boundaries increasingly blurred”.
The report stated that “young people and professionals reported concerns around what they referred to as drill music videos, which threaten and provoke individuals and groups from rival areas”. However, “clear distinction must be made between the vast majority of music videos that simply provide a raw reflection of the realities of young people’s lives”.
The report discusses threats and provocation in music video, negative impact of the smartphone, social pressures, daily exposure to online violence, vulnerability of young women, negative implications for education and employment. The report further goes on to highlight the lack of legal and organisational guidance as part of its findings about youth violence.
Nequela Whittaker (previous gang leader now youth worker) reported that “The youth culture seems to be falling apart at the moment. Young people don’t feel like they fit in with society and there doesn’t seem to be a voice for young people so at the moment there’s a bit of carnage. On the streets it seems to be feuds from social media, from gang rivalry, postcode wars. At the moment it seems to be an epidemic of violence between the young people and it’s getting worse”.
Nequela states that funding cuts from youth services/ community centres, absent fathers and the lack of positive role models are contributing factors to these killings.
It is estimated by Human Rights Commission (2011) that 65% of African-Caribbean children are raised by one parent – nearly always without the father (The Guardian. 2013).
The absence of a father or positive role model in young people’s lives often mean that they are left with no guidance or direction when it comes to matters such as positive ways of gaining respect, power and status within the society.
The absence of a father or a role model influence young people’s search for acceptance and security from other people who may not always encourage positive actions. Gang members, drug dealers whom often portray glamorous lifestyle whilst promoting crime become our young people’s role models. The fast life of expensive jewellery, fast cars and hood fame translate as power to many of our young people who desire to be seen as individuals of power in their communities. It could be argued that there is a sense of belonging once young people are affiliated with a gang, as many people see their peers as their family due to close relationships that have been developed.
Sian Berry’s (2017- Green Party Member of London Assembly) briefing published in 2017 reports that “the impact of this level of cuts could be devastating. Unison recently asked young people about the impact youth service cuts had on their lives. In response, 83 percent said they were having an effect on crime and antisocial behaviour, and 71 per cent said it was now harder for young people to stay in formal education”.
Youth services and centres help young people and minimises the chances of falling into crime and being exploited by another gang member. With such high number in knife and gun killings, it is evident that immediate intervention needs to take place in order to protect the lives of our young people.
What can be done about the high numbers in knife and gun killings?
Funding youth clubs and community centres: Being part of a group can help young people develop important personal and interpersonal skills. It can also help young develop self –confidence and a sense of belonging which reduce their desire to seek for belonging elsewhere.
Stop and Search: Mayor Sadiq Khan reports that “When stop-and-search is used properly, it’s an invaluable tool to the police”. Some have criticised this recommendation and have reported that this creates opportunities for the police force to discriminate against specific groups.
Families and communities working together: Father figures such as uncles, male family friends and other appropriate persons should consider acting as role models for young people in their communities, talk to young people, advise them, spend time with them and teach them to put their skills to good use as this can also bring about power and status in the society.
If you would like to report a knife or gun crime please call 101. In cases of emergency please call 999. If you have information about knife crime in your area and you’re nervous about going to the police, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.If you have been affected by knife and or gun crime and would like someone to talk to , contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 or Victims Support on 08 08 16 89 111.
References and Further Reading