Knife crime and youth violence: moving beyond headlines

Knife crime and youth violence are not just about crime statistics — they’re rooted in poverty, trauma, exclusion and lack of opportunity. So how do we respond in ways that make a real difference?

In this Care Visions Family Talk, Dr Linda de Caestecker is joined by Karyn McCluskey, Chief Executive of Community Justice Scotland, TEDx speaker and co-founder of Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit. Together, they explore:

• Why young people become involved in violence
• What works when it comes to prevention and support
• The role of families, communities, and services in breaking the cycle

Karyn shares powerful insights from her career — from shaping Scotland’s public health approach to violence, to building community-led initiatives that foster empathy, opportunity and hope.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator, youth worker, or simply someone who cares about safer futures for young people, this conversation offers both understanding and practical inspiration.

This talk was recorded live at Falkirk Stadium as part of our Care Visions Family Talks series.