Analysis: Practice - Youth Violence - Communities strive for a morepeaceful society

Five years ago, 10-year-old Damilola Taylor was fatally stabbed with a broken bottle in London's North Peckham estate. Four young people were brought to trial and acquitted. Three more will stand trial at the Old Bailey next year.

Representatives of Scotland Yard, the Youth Justice Board and local MP Harriet Harman were due to mark the anniversary of Damilola's death on Sunday (27 November) with a conference addressing young people on the perils of inner-city violence.

Constructive steps

But what has actually been done since the tragedy to tackle the issues that can drive such violence?

Young people at Polmont Young Offender Institution in Scotland were questioned by YouthLink Scotland as part of a Scottish Executive consultation on tackling knife crime. They said that, in their experience, many young people begin to carry knives at 13 or 14 as a form of protection. Increasing their access to safe transport and leisure facilities could change this, they added.