LJMU partners unite to break the cycle of violence

Professionals from across Merseyside met today to show how violence in society can be tackled in partnership to create safer communities

The Breaking the Cycle of Violence across Merseyside conference, hosted by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) and Liverpool John Moores University's Public Health Institute, showcases how prevention can be delivered at scale across the region.

Taking place at The Spine in Paddington Village, the event united police, educationalists, local government, health services, youth services and the voluntary sector - all focused on reducing harm and preventing violence before it happens.

The conference also saw the launch of Merseyside's new Violence Prevention Strategy, a ten-year blueprint for how organisations across the region can work together to prevent and reduce violence.

Violence 'preventable'

Joint host Professor Zara Quigg of LJMU, said: "Violence is not inevitable, it is a preventable public health issue requiring evidence-based, collaborative action. A public health approach helps us move beyond reaction to address root causes, reduce risk, and strengthen protection."The strategy focuses on early intervention, support across the life course, and tackling the root causes of violence including trauma, inequality and lack of opportunity. It also reinforces that no single organisation can solve the issue alone, placing partnership working at the centre of delivery.

Research commissioned by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership and conducted by LJMU in 2024 revealed that serious violence costs the region more than £200 million a year in Merseyside alone - highlighting the importance of sustained investment in prevention.

The conference explored how evidence can be translated into frontline practice across key areas, including:

• Health as a catalyst for violence prevention
• Early intervention and strengthening families
• Supporting children and young people, including those affected by trauma and neurodiversity
• Breaking the cycle of offending and reoffending
• Creating safer places and stronger communities across Merseyside

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "We already know a huge amount about what causes violence and what works to prevent it. The challenge now is turning that evidence into meaningful, long-term action.

Break the cycles

"This conference is about taking that next step - bringing partners together to share learning, strengthen collaboration and embed what works into everyday practice. By working together, with communities at the heart of everything we do, we can break the cycle of violence and create better outcomes for future generations."

The day concluded with a focus on how Merseyside can become a trauma-informed and responsive region, with closing reflections from Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council.

The strategy calls on organisations across all sectors to work together to strengthen support for individuals, families and communities, ensuring that prevention is visible, consistent and sustained over time.