Violence prevention framework: annual progress report 2024/2025

Introduction

As part of the continued implementation of the Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland,^[4] this second annual report outlines key developments and progress made during 2024/2025. The Framework supports our commitment in the Programme for Government^[5] to ensure everyone feels safe in their communities and aligns with the three-year delivery plan for the Vision for Justice in Scotland.^[6]

We have committed to publishing a Progress Report each year of the Framework’s three-year implementation, to reflect ongoing activity, respond to emerging evidence, and adapt to evolving trends in violence prevention. The first report, covering progress made over 2023/2024,^[7] was published in September 2024.

The Framework is built around four core aims:

• we are all safe, and feel safe, in our communities
• our communities are stronger and more resilient
• our relationships are healthier and more respectful
• people at risk of experiencing violence receive support to live healthier, more productive lives

In addition to showcasing work already underway across the Scottish Government, the Framework set out 14 priority actions under these aims. These are being delivered in partnership with our grant-funded organisations: the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU), Medics Against Violence (MAV), YouthLink Scotland’s No Knives, Better Lives (NKBL) programme, Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV), and Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP).

As part of our commitment to monitoring progress, we have developed a set of high-level indicators. Originally referred to as the Measurement Framework, this has now been renamed as the Monitoring Framework to better reflect the complex and interconnected factors that influence violence prevention. The first Monitoring Framework^[8] is published alongside this annual report.

By collecting this evidence, the Monitoring Framework can help contribute to increasing our understanding of the extent and nature of violence in Scotland and how that profile has changed over time. This will support our ongoing assessment where a renewed focus or a change in approach to violence prevention activity might be beneficial.