Violence Reduction Unit

Violence is preventable - not inevitable

The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit is a national centre of expertise on violence. Part of Police Scotland the VRU targets violence wherever it occurs whether it’s on the streets, in schools or in our homes. Supported by the Scottish Government the unit has adopted a public health approach, treating violence as an infection which can be cured. The VRU is the only police member of the World' Health Organisation's Violence Prevention Alliance. The VRU believe violence is preventable – not inevitable.

A decade ago Glasgow was branded the murder capital of Europe. Determined to tackle the city's addiction to violence Strathclyde Police decided they needed a new approach.

In January 2005 the force established the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). The unit's remit was to target all forms of violent behaviour, in particular knife crime and weapon carrying among young men in and around Glasgow.

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