Knife crime
Knife crime is not just limited to young people or gangs
Related links:
Most homes have knives in them – it's a normal part of everyone's kitchen equipment. And people's garages and sheds usually contain knife-like tools. What this means is that anyone can get a knife or sharp-bladed implement from home or a shop and use-it as a weapon. However, despite the availability of knives and sharp objects, knife crime is relatively rare compared to other kinds of crime.
While the media tend to focus on knife crime around young people and gangs, it can actually involve people of all ages. Knives can be used in several criminal situations including violent theft, rape, sexual assault and domestic violence.
Being a victim of knife crime, or witnessing an attack, can be a very shocking experience. As well as the obvious and frightening risk of injury, many people have a complex emotional and behavioural response, whether or not they are physically harmed. This is often because they have been forced to do something against their will. But everyone also reacts to crime differently; you might feel surprisingly calm and unaffected or you could be overcome by shock and fear and anything in between.
You may feel nothing but intense anger towards the perpetrator or even you may turn your anger inward and blame yourself for getting into a situation where a crime like this could happen.
Knife crime: a special note for young men
Anyone can become a victim of knife crime but statistics show us that the victims are often young men.
Men can often find it harder to talk about their feelings than women and this is particularly true for younger men. And many men feel they have to live up to a 'tough guy' image and find it both shocking and difficult to deal with when they are traumatised by a serious crime such as this. They may not want partners, friends and family to know they are having problems. So the very people who are more at risk, statistically, from knife crime and the ones who may find it harder to get support.
Don't worry – you can get help from Victim Support in total confidence and we won't judge you in any way.
We can help
Victim Support is the independent national charity for people affected by crime. We help thousands of victims of violence every year – including knife crime. Our volunteers are specially trained to give information, practical help and emotional support to people who have been threatened or assaulted.
If the person who assaulted you is your partner, ex-partner or a family member, we have volunteers who are specially trained in issues relating to domestic violence. If you are the relative or the friend of someone who has been threatened or assaulted you can also get help from us.
If you decide you want to report the crime they can go to the police station and to court with you. They can give you information on the criminal justice system and help you claim compensation. They can give you advice about getting medical help. If you can't work because of your injuries they can help you to deal with your employer and get benefits (you can also get benefit information from your local benefits office or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
If there is help you need that we can't provide, we'll get in touch with other organisations who can help you.
Get in touch: we can help
Most people are referred to us by the police when they report a crime. But anyone can contact us directly if they want to.
You can also email or call the Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 for support and information.