When describing the public health approach to violence reduction, the World Health Organization (WHO) describe the importance of data as a first step in implementing public health interventions.
The NHS has a key role in articulating the health needs of people affected by violence. Messaging around violence in society often focuses on a criminal justice narrative. However, it is equally important to consider both the health drivers as well as the health implications of violence, and the key role the health service plays in addressing that. Health Data and Intelligence is a key part of articulating the health implications of violence, as well as effectively developing strategies to prevent and reduce violence.
Information Sharing to Tackle Violence, or ISTV, refers to a small, anonymised dataset collected in Emergency Departments (EDs) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs). If a patient presents to healthcare services with an injury caused by interpersonal violence, non-patient identifiable information about the when, how and where of the assault is collected and shared to build a better understanding of violent hotspots, as well as to help understand the type of violence that presents to healthcare services. The data is shared with local, relevant authorities such as Community Safety Partnerships and Integrated Care Boards to support intelligence around violence reduction strategic responses.
ISTV is a nationally adopted dataset, as outlined in the ISB1594 Minimum Dataset (available here).
In December 2022 the Home Office published statutory guidance titled the Serious Violence Duty (SVD). The Duty requires a range of authorities including health, police, education and local authorities to work in partnership to prevent and reduce serious violence through local arrangements and strategies.
The NHS Violence Reduction Academy has developed a health framework intended for NHS services (particularly Integrated Care Boards) looking to align their strategic objectives with the Serious Violence Duty.
Health Framework for Serious Violence Duty Strategies
For learning resources on ISTV, including guidance documents and access to video content, please check our resources page.