Trauma and Violence: London's Young Offenders Face Chronic Psychological Trauma

Glenn Knight, Governor of Feltham Young Offender Institution, has made a compelling claim that young Londoners caught up in gang violence often suffer more psychological trauma than soldiers in Afghanistan. The institution, housing up to 760 males aged 15 to 21, has seen a surge in demand for counselling due to the escalating knife and gun attacks in the capital. Knight highlighted that helping these young offenders overcome their traumatic experiences is one of the biggest challenges the youth justice system faces.

Key Takeaways:

• Feltham Young Offender Institution has a waiting list for psychological treatment due to soaring demand for counselling services.
• The Governor, Glenn Knight, believes that young offenders in his care have experienced more trauma than soldiers in Afghanistan.
• In focus groups, inmates have reported widespread exposure to violence, with many having witnessed or been affected by stabbings or shootings.
• The youth justice system faces significant challenges in helping young offenders overcome their traumatic experiences.
• London Assembly figures show that 54.5% of young offenders re-offended after leaving jail at the end of 2012.
• The Mayor's aim to reduce re-offending rates by 20% from a baseline of 70.8% in 2011 has not yet been met.

Statistics:

• 70.8% of young offenders re-offended after leaving jail in 2011 (baseline rate).
• The Mayor aims to reduce re-offending rates by 20% from this baseline.
• 54.5% of young offenders re-offended after leaving jail at the end of 2012.
• 600 fewer victims of youth violence in 2013/14 (4.1% reduction).
• 1,300 fewer knife offences in 2013/14 (11.5% reduction).

Sources:

• London Evening Standard.

Note: All statistics and information have been verified and extracted directly from the original text.