Children and Young People’s Accounts of Involvement in Serious Violence in the UK

This review by the Youth Endowment Fund brings together qualitative research from across the UK with children and young people aged 10–24 who are involved in, or at risk of involvement in, serious violence. It focuses on first-hand accounts, allowing young people to explain in their own words how they became involved in violence, how they experienced it, and in some cases, how they moved away from it.

The review included 42 studies published since 2000. These were carried out in a range of settings, including prisons, youth justice services, mainstream and alternative schools, residential care homes, community centres and neighbourhoods experiencing high levels of deprivation. Most participants were male, with only a small number of studies focused on the perspectives of girls. Whilst a significant number of studies included participants from a range of ethnic backgrounds, many provided limited demographic detail.

The studies covered different types of serious violence, such as gang involvement, territorial disputes, carrying weapons, interpersonal aggression, and group violence, such as sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, or between football firms.

Main findings

The review identified five main narratives that describe how young people become involved in, or move away from, serious violence.

Difficult lives: Many children and young people described experiencing childhood trauma, poverty, exclusion from school, and very limited opportunities. These experiences often left them feeling disconnected from society. Violence could become a way to express anger, boredom or a sense of injustice.
Hypermasculinity: Some studies highlighted the experience of marginalised young men where violence was used to build status, identity and a sense of belonging. Violence can be part of a “tough” or “macho” image and is often performed in front of others. Young women can also be drawn into these lifestyles, either through relationships with young men or through their own involvement.
Financial reward: For some children and young people, violence is connected to making money in ways that seem quick and easy. In contexts where there are few legitimate opportunities, this can bring self-respect, financial independence and status among peers.
Blurred boundaries of ‘at risk’: The review found that being “at risk” of violence and being actively involved in violence are not always separate states. Children and young people can move between the two depending on their circumstances. For example, risk can increase in unsupervised peer settings and reduce in more structured environments such as school.
Towards desistance: Moving away from violence is rarely a single event. It is usually a gradual process shaped by growing maturity, changes in identity, and the influence of supportive relationships. Change is more likely to last when it is reinforced by positive changes in the wider community.