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News Release from: Academy of Medical Sciences | Subject: Science of Violence
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 02 November 2006
Medical science can reduce violent crime
At its meeting on the 'Science of Violence' the Academy of Medical Sciences called for greater collaboration and sharing of data between medical and criminal justice communities
An overwhelming majority of victims who seek treatment after crimes of violence do so in A+E departments Many such offences are not reported to the police, so to show an accurate reflection measurements of violence must include both medical and police records
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 17 Nov 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Research by Professor Jonathan Shepherd, convener of the meeting has shown that A+E departments are extremely important sources of information about the circumstances of violence and that this information can significantly enhance violence prevention in towns and cities.
Speaking of his research into the health consequences of violence, Professor Shepherd said, "data collected in A+E departments from the victims of assault can help police target hotspots for violence thereby improving health as well as law and order.
"Appropriately pooling NHS and police intelligence gives a better picture of the true level of violence in the UK".
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Violence prevention strategies should draw on evidence from the medical science community such as individual and family risk factors and the lifestyle characteristics causing antisocial behaviour and vulnerability to violence.
The academy also calls for a more rigorous approach to the evaluation of violence prevention measures.
There is a need for criminologists and medical scientists to work together to evaluate initiatives.
A scientific approach that applies quantitative experimental methodology would improve the prevention of violence.
Professor Shepherd added, "Randomised and controlled experiments are just as applicable to violence prevention interventions such as CCTV, pop up screens in banks or toughened glasses in nightclubs as they are to testing new drugs and medical treatments.
"New police interventions are often accompanied by evaluation, but this evaluation is usually commissioned after the intervention has been designed, so that rigorous study design is not possible".
This multi sector approach to violence prevention, combining data and methodology from medical and social disciplines is having implications well beyond the UK.
It is being applied through the World Health Organisation to provide a victim centred, public health evidence base for crime prevention strategies worldwide, placing the UK at the forefront of research.
Speaking of the meeting, Academy president Keith Peters said: "The academy's mission is to ensure that medical science has an impact on the wellbeing of society.
"We are working to bring together the different constituencies to contribute to a healthy and safe society.".
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