Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland: equality impact assessment

Equality Impact Assessment - Results

Title of Policy

National Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland

Summary of aims and desired outcomes of Policy

This Framework sets out a wide range of existing activity which we are taking forward with our partners which will support the delivery of our priorities in preventing violence and reducing its harms. It also provides an Action Plan with proposed activity, which we will develop and deliver in collaboration with our stakeholders.

Directorate: Division: team

Safer Communities- Violence Reduction Policy Team

Executive summary

This Framework sets out a wide range of existing activity which we are taking forward with our partners which will support the delivery of our priorities in preventing violence and reducing its harms. It also provides an Action Plan with proposed activity, which we will develop and deliver in collaboration with our stakeholders over the following year and beyond. We will report on the progress of the Action Plan activities on an annual basis.

This Framework is supported by an evidence supplement and has been informed by a wide range of existing research and evidence in Scotland to understand effective approaches to preventing violence. This includes the Scottish Public Health Network (ScotPHN) Violence Prevention Framework which sets out a public health, primary preventive approach to preventing violence in Scotland. As well as the Taking Stock of Violence in Scotland 2019 report from the Scottish Centre of Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR)

This publication offers an opportunity to examine the latest trends and using the approach set out by ScotPHN and others, shows the wide-reaching work of the Scottish Government and partners to support primary, secondary and tertiary prevention aims in relation to different forms of violence

Background

Tackling violence requires activity across three prevention levels by a variety of services through public sector partners in local government, justice, health and education, and importantly grass root community led third sector organisations. Implementation of the Framework’s Action Plan will require a collaborative approach.

Across Scotland we must reduce violence and its harms, violence is like a disease both visible and hidden, which if left untreated, can affect our families and communities for generations.

Over the last decade, the Scottish Government and partners have focused on prevention of violence through work to improve community cohesion and opportunities for all. To prevent and reduce the negative impact of violence in our communities we must work across our society to tackle deep rooted and complex inequalities. There are often complex and unique circumstances which lead to violent behaviour, a product of challenges we have experienced in our communities and in our lives. We must therefore take an approach which treats a person - first to be supported if they experience violence and to avoid individuals becoming a perpetrator of violence; to then break cycles of violence; and improve their life outcomes so they do not reoffend.

By working to address societal inequalities and attitudes, increasing community cohesion, encouraging positive relationships, encouraging improvements to data sharing to identify and support individuals at risk of violence to lead healthier lives, we can further reduce violence and its harms in Scotland.

The Scope of the EQIA

This Framework sets out a wide range of existing activity which we are taking forward with our partners which will support the delivery of our priorities in preventing violence and reducing its harms. It also provides an Action Plan with proposed activity, which we will develop and deliver in collaboration with our stakeholders over the following year and beyond. We will report on the progress of the Action Plan activities on an annual basis.

This Framework is supported by an evidence supplement and has been informed by a wide range of existing research and evidence in Scotland to understand effective approaches to preventing violence. This includes the Scottish Public Health Network (ScotPHN) Violence Prevention Framework which sets out a public health, primary preventive approach to preventing violence in Scotland. As well as the Taking Stock of Violence in Scotland 2019 report from the Scottish Centre of Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR) .

This publication offers an opportunity to examine the latest trends and using the approach set out by ScotPHN and others, shows the wide-reaching work of the Scottish Government and partners to support primary, secondary and tertiary prevention aims in relation to different forms of violence:

• ‘Primary prevention’ - following a public health approach applying programmes, policy interventions and advocacy to prevent violence before it occurs.
• ‘Secondary prevention’- intervening to prevent the further escalation of violence where it has not been prevented
• ‘Tertiary prevention’ - focused on care, rehabilitation and reintegration, post-violence.

Tackling violence requires activity across these three prevention levels by a variety of services through public sector partners in local government, justice, health and education, and importantly grass root community led third sector organisations. Implementation of the Framework’s Action Plan will require a collaborative approach.

Key Findings

This Framework sets the direction and brings together the work happening across different sectors to address all forms of violence.

The Action Plan within this Framework will take a public health approach, and is consistent with initiatives like Equally Safe, Hate Crime Strategy and the Youth Justice Vision as well as our broader efforts to tackle inequalities which exist across Scotland.

Over and above the wider activities being taken forward across government, implementation of this Framework identifies three priority outcomes to be achieved through an Action Plan of activities which will seek to address some of the causes and behaviours that may lead to violence.

Recommendations and Conclusion

This Framework brings together a comprehensive and evidence-informed approach to preventing violence and reducing its harms across Scotland. Grounded in a public health model and informed by robust research, including the ScotPHN Violence Prevention Framework and SCCJR findings, it highlights the importance of coordinated action across primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Violence is recognised not only as an individual behaviour but as a symptom of wider societal inequalities that, if left unaddressed, can have lasting impacts on families and communities.

By setting out an integrated Action Plan developed in partnership with public, third sector and community stakeholders, the Framework provides a clear and collaborative pathway for addressing the root causes of violence, supporting those affected, and disrupting cycles of harm. Ongoing monitoring and annual reporting will ensure transparency, accountability and continuous learning as progress is made towards reducing violence and improving life outcomes for individuals and communities across Scotland

To support the effective implementation of the Framework and delivery of its priority outcomes, it is recommended that:

• A sustained public health approach is embedded across all levels of prevention, ensuring early intervention, targeted support and long-term rehabilitation are equally prioritised.
• Cross-sector collaboration is strengthened between local government, justice, health, education and third sector partners, with a particular emphasis on supporting community led and grassroots organisations.
• Action to tackle inequality remains central, recognising the strong links between violence, poverty, trauma and social exclusion.
• Data sharing and intelligence-led practice are improved to better identify individuals and communities at risk and to enable timely, preventative support.
• Annual reporting and evaluation of the Action Plan are used to measure impact, adapt approaches, and ensure alignment with related national strategies such as Equally Safe, the Hate Crime Strategy and the Youth Justice Vision.

Through continued collective commitment and evidence led action, this Framework provides a strong foundation for reducing violence and its harms, supporting healthier lives, and creating safer, more resilient communities across Scotland.