Young men convicted of firearms offences in England and Wales: An exploration of family and educational background as opportunities for prevention

Author: Hayden C / Hales G / Lewis C / Silverstone D
Publication: Policy Studies
Topics: Crime Gender International Prevention
Keywords: ENGLAND Educational Background Family Background Firearm Offenses Wales
Bibliographic information +

The authors used data collected from interviews of 80 young men in England and Wales convicted of firearms offences to characterize the family and educational backgrounds of the men and explore opportunities for longer-term prevention. Most of the interviewed offenders grew up in disrupted family environments, had under-achieved, had been excluded from mainstream education and had poor work histories in legitimate employment. Half of offenders had been threatened with guns themselves, over a third had been shot at and 10% actually shot. Risk of victimization appeared to be highest for drug market participants and two-thirds reported the shooting and injury (33%) or the fatal shooting (33%) of friends or family.