Do youth violent crime rates spike in the school summer holidays?

There is a discussion to be had around rates of youth violent crime during the summer. Young people do not have their school as a safe place and supportive environment for the 6 week summer holiday. 

The Government published figures on youth crime do not break down by season, but the general trend seems to suggest that youth crime, including violent crime, spikes over the school summer holidays. 

The Youth Justice Statistics government report for 2022 to 2023 says violence against the person offences (assaults) have increased the most as a proportion of all offences by children. In the report for that year there were 3,400 knife or offensive weapon offences committed by children.

Cities and Town Centres are Hotspots for Youth Violence

The problem is greatest in cities and town centres. This time last year, in July 2023 London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, when asked about youth violence in the summer months, was quoted as saying: 

“We know that there is traditionally a spike in violence over the warmer, summer months.” 

The police have specific operations to focus on this, and the local authorities are encouraged to put on youth programs to give children things to do, and places to go.

All children should be able to enjoy their summer, and not spend time in fear of violence. There are youth charities, such as Lives Not Knives, working with the local police and providing programmes to give children summer activities. The answer seems to be to ensure children have a place to go, and youth clubs or sporting activities to do. 

Advice for Victims of Violent Crime

If you are a parent of a child who has been a victim of violent crime, you may be able to claim compensation for them. The compensation can help young people and families after the trauma of violent crime, which can end in a court case for some. 

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme allows parents to claim on behalf of their children and compensation is awarded for physical and mental injuries, in accordance with the criteria under the scheme. Knife crime, for example, often results in serious injuries, or wounds leaving permanent scarring.

For help and advice about claims with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority [CICA], or to find out more information about CICA claims, please call us on 0330 300 5000 or email @email.