Knife crime victim Scott Breslin and former offender Mark Johnson took centre stage at the VRU’s recent anti-violence conference.

Scott, a quadriplegic since a knife attack at the age of 16, and Mark, a former offender and author of the bestselling memoir Wasted, spoke about their perspectives on violence at the Agency Responses to Perpetrators and Victims of Crime conference, held at the University of Glasgow.

Also speaking were Susan McVie, co-director of the Edinburgh Study of Youth Transitions and Crime, and Laurie Russell, Chief Executive of the Wise Group a social enterprise that helps unemployed people into sustainable employment. A key note address was delivered by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.

The event aimed to encourage closer working between those who provide services for victims and offenders.
Chief Inspector Cameron Cavin, the VRU’s Anti-Violence Campaign

Co-ordinator, said: “It’s easy to see this as a clear cut issue, with the victims on one side and the perpetrators on the other. But in truth, violence is myriad shades of grey, with the difference between a victim and offender often being simply a matter of luck.

“That’s why it is vital to for all of those working with victims and offenders to form stronger bonds, share information and work together to address the issue holistically – and hopefully prevent people becoming victims and offenders in the first place.”

The conference came ahead of the VRU’s Anti-Violence Campaign Group / Gang Fuelled Violence phase, which will take place in February 2009.