Gang violence, gun and knife crime

Have you been affected by gang violence, gun crime or knife crime?

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Violence involving gangs, guns or knives can have a profound impact on individuals, families and entire communities.

Gang violence – Violence linked to street gangs or organised criminal groups. These groups may be involved in drug dealing, exploitation, trafficking, robbery, fraud and other serious crimes.

Gun crime – Violence involving a firearm.

Knife crime – Any offence involving a knife or sharp object. This may include carrying a knife, threatening someone with a knife, or injuring or killing someone with one.

These crimes can affect people in many different ways. You may have been directly harmed, threatened, witnessed violence, lost someone you care about, or feel unsafe in your community.

Whatever your experience, support is available.

How you might be feeling

Experiencing or witnessing violence involving guns or knives can be deeply distressing.

You might have been physically injured, threatened, or witnessed something frightening. You may also be coping with the loss of someone close to you.

Some people are affected even if they weren’t directly involved in the incident – for example, if violence happened in their neighbourhood or community.

People affected by violence may experience:

  • Fear or feeling unsafe leaving home
  • Shock or disbelief about what happened
  • Grief after losing someone
  • Anger or frustration
  • Anxiety or difficulty sleeping
  • Ongoing stress or trauma

Everyone responds differently to traumatic events. There is no ‘right’ way to feel.

If you’ve been affected by violence, you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Support is available to help you cope and move forward.

Get the help you need

If you would like information, advice or emotional support, call us on 0800 876 6155. We can listen to what has happened and help you understand what support options are available.

You can get support whether or not you’ve reported the incident to the police.

You may also find support from specialist organisations:

KnifeCrimes.Org – Provides information and support for families and friends affected by knife, gun and gang crime, including bereavement and peer support.

Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM) – A national charity supporting people who have lost a loved one through murder or manslaughter.
Phone: 0121 472 2912
Text: 07342 888570

Winston’s Wish – Provides bereavement support for children, young people and young adults up to age 25, as well as guidance for adults supporting them.
Phone: 08088 020 021 
Email: ask@winstonswish.org

NSPCC – Supports adults who are worried about a child or young person’s safety or possible involvement in gangs.
Phone: 0808 800 5000

Family Lives – Provides support and advice for families experiencing difficulties.
Phone: 0808 800 2222

Mothers Against Violence – A Greater Manchester organisation supporting people affected by violent crime.

You can also find guidance for parents and carers concerned about gangs through Gov.uk resources.

Reporting violence

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you want to report something to the police but it’s not an emergency, you can:

You can also share information anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is a charity that is independent of the police.

Sharing information can sometimes help protect others and prevent further harm, but it is always your choice.

If you’re worried about a child or young person

Young people may get involved with gangs for many different reasons. Some may be seeking friendship, belonging or protection. Others may be pressured, manipulated or groomed by criminal groups.

Criminal gangs sometimes exploit young people by promising money, status or protection. Once involved, they may use threats, intimidation or violence to maintain control.

Some signs that a young person may need support include:

  • Sudden changes in behaviour or friendships
  • Unexplained money, gifts or possessions
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Spending more time away from home
  • Problems at school or not going to school
  • Being more secretive or using different language
  • Carrying weapons or talking about weapons

These signs don’t always mean a young person is in a gang, but they may show that something is wrong and they need support.

Girls and young women can also be affected by gangs. Some may be pressured to carry drugs or weapons. Others may experience emotional, physical or sexual violence linked to gang activity.

If you are concerned about a child or young person, you can get advice from organisations like NSPCC or speak with teachers, youth workers or safeguarding services.

Support for young people

If you’re a young person who feels pressured to join a gang, carry a weapon or take part in crime, you may feel frightened, trapped or unsure who to turn to.

Some young people carry knives because they feel unsafe or believe it will protect them. Others may feel pressured by friends or older people.

If this is happening to you, you deserve support and protection.

You can speak to:

  • A trusted adult like a teacher, youth worker or family member
  • Support services that work with young people
  • Childline on 0800 1111, where you can talk confidentially about what is happening

If you are already involved in a gang and want help to leave, support services can help you stay safe and find a different path.

You don’t have to deal with this alone.

All types of crime