Victoria strengthens violence prevention strategy with Scottish expert visit

Victoria is strengthening its violence prevention strategy with support from one of the architects of Scotland’s internationally recognised approach to reducing violent crime.

Violence Reduction Minister Sonya Kilkenny has welcomed Karyn McCluskey to Melbourne, where she will take part in the inaugural seminar hosted by Victoria’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). McCluskey helped shape Scotland’s public health approach to violence prevention and now serves as Chief Executive of Community Justice Scotland.

The seminar will bring together representatives from government agencies and community organisations to discuss ways of turning research and evidence into practical action aimed at preventing violence before it occurs.

Victoria’s VRU is modelled on the approach developed in Scotland, where authorities have credited the strategy with contributing to a long-term decline in violent crime. The model focuses on addressing the underlying causes of violence through early intervention, support services and partnerships across health, education, justice and community sectors.

The Victorian Government says the forum will also highlight prevention programs already operating across the state. These include lived experience mentoring, gang intervention initiatives and programs designed to connect young people with support before they become involved in offending.

The visit comes as the government points to recent crime statistics showing a six per cent reduction in the youth offending rate. While youth crime remains a prominent public concern in Victoria, the government argues that enforcement measures should be accompanied by prevention programs aimed at reducing repeat offending and supporting at-risk young people.

This year’s Victorian Budget includes $30 million to establish a permanent home for the Violence Reduction Unit within the state’s justice system.

Minister for Violence Reduction Sonya Kilkenny said the government was combining early intervention with firm consequences for violent offending.

“We’re reducing violent youth crime with serious consequences and early interventions,” she said.

Kilkenny also defended the government’s investment in the unit, saying proven approaches from overseas could help improve community safety in Victoria.

Violence Reduction Unit Chief Executive Andrea Davidson said preventing violence required action before harm occurred.

“The evidence is clear: we reduce violence by preventing it. That means backing communities, supporting young people early and tackling the causes before harm occurs,” Davidson said.

McCluskey said Scotland’s experience showed the value of treating violence as something that could be prevented rather than simply responded to after the event.

“Scotland showed what’s possible when we treat violence as preventable. It’s encouraging to see Victoria adapting that approach and investing in earlier intervention,” she said.

The Liberal opposition has previously criticised the Violence Reduction Unit, while the Victorian Government argues the body forms part of a broader strategy that combines prevention initiatives with policing and justice measures. The long-term impact of the unit will be measured against future crime trends and outcomes for young people participating in intervention programs.