REDUCING VIOLENCE &
EXPLOITATION TOGETHER

bedfordshire violence & Exploitation REDUCTION unit

WHO WE ARE

The Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) is a network of different agencies and groups aiming to tackle the root causes of things like gang membership and prevent young people becoming involved in all aspects of gang criminality and exploitation. We have specialist support and advice to help you, whether you are a young person directly involved, have concerns about a family member or friend, or work in this area and want to learn more about what we do.

YOUNG PEOPLE

PROFESSIONALS

FAMILIES

WHAT WE DO

We are so grateful to all the different projects, partners and people we worked with during our first few months tackling violence and exploitation in Bedfordshire. We look forward to continuing this work together.

LATEST NEWS

News

VERU in View – July

A summary of activity from across the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) over the past month.

July 27, 2021

Luton All Star Lionesses team photo. They were one of two Bedfordshire teams to attend the Kick Off At 3 football tournament

News

VERU drives forward solutions for young people by giving them a voice on poverty and inequality

We worked with both local and national partners to give young people a voice around tackling poverty and inequality, as well as coordinating two Bedfordshire teams to attend a national football tournament.

July 26, 2021

News

VERU and police work to prevent serious youth violence reaches 5,000 people

Our YIS team has been delivering lots of talks and assemblies in schools in the run up to the summer holidays.

July 26, 2021

OUR LATEST

Stephen Lawrence Day

Our VERU Village came together to remember Stephen Lawrence and outline what his legacy means to them. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

OUR WORK INVOLVES

Step 2

2. Secondary Prevention

Halting the progression of violence as early as possible (early detection and prompt, effective intervention by providing positive alternatives)

Step 2

Step 3

3. Tertiary Prevention

Providing a way out for those established in violent behaviour and those affected as victims.

Step 3

Step 4

4. Enforcement & Criminal Justice

Disrupting criminality that often involves violence.

Step 4

Step 5

5. Attitude Change

Changing societal views towards violence, including individual views and community views

Step 5

LET'S STOP VIOLENCE

Knife crime and violence does not discriminate against its victims. As a community we are all affected by the hurt and loss of life. Talking to someone you can trust can help.

OUR PARTNERS

We are working with local councils and key organisations to achieve our goals.

CONTACT US

Get in touch, even if it is to say hello. At Bedfordshire VERU we are always interested in exploring possible links and opportunities to work with others.

REDUCING VIOLENCE &
EXPLOITATION TOGETHER

WHO WE ARE

YOUNG PEOPLE

PROFESSIONALS

FAMILIES