“A Violence Reduction Unit worked overseas to reduce violent crime – and we’re bringing it to
Victoria. They call it the Scottish model, but in the years to come, I want them to call it the Victorian
model,” Allan said.
The first initiative the VRU will support is 16 Yards’ mentoring program. 16 Yards is an organisation that pairs at-risk children with reformed offenders to guide them away from crime.
“Lived experience mentors show what’s possible when young people are supported by people who
have walked in their shoes,” said Youth Justice Minister Enver Erdogan. “That’s the type of intervention that changes lives, reduces offending and keeps the community safe.”
The announcement follows a series of tough-on-crime policies Labor revealed last week. On Wednesday, Allan announced a proposed law which would see children tried as adults in the courts for violent crimes, including home invasions and armed robbery.
Earlier in her term, Allan backed down on raising the age of criminal responsibility and tightened bail laws to make it easier for children to be remanded. In October Labor reopened Malmsbury youth prison just two years after shutting it down, citing rising youth crime.
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The latest Crime Statistics Agency data shows criminal offences across Victoria are at record highs. Recorded offences rose by more than 15 per cent in the year ending June 30, an increase of 86,587.
Youth crime has also surged, with 25,206 alleged incidents involving children aged 10–17 years in the same time period. This is up from 22,172 incidents the year prior, 19,340 in 2023 and 15,964 in 2022.
The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit saw violent crime fall almost immediately. There has been 60 per cent reduction in violent crime since its inception, with the greatest reduction taking place among younger age groups. The unit’s current deputy head said crime rates started falling after just a few years.