Effects of knife crime

Have you ever seen an article in the paper about a young person being stabbed? These cases often make the news headlines as people are shocked that young people are killing each other.

This can effect the entire local community as people are often sad to see and find out what really happens on their streets. When other young people in that area know other young people are carrying knives, they’ll be scared and more likely to carry a knife themselves. That means there are more knives on the street meaning more people are likely to hurt.

If you are stabbed the wound and trama to the body could tragically result in death. Although some people believe there are ‘safe’ areas of the body to stab this isn’t true. You have arteries which carry your precious blood all over your body. So a stab wound in the legs and arms should be treated as seriously as those in the neck or chest.

If you are stabbed and survive you could still experience long term physical effects. If you look at a stab wound it is usually a short wound on the surface of the skin - but very deep in your body, this will of course vary depending on the type of weapon used. This type of internal wound mean that the affected may be prone to infection and as a result never heal properly.

Ask yourself a question? Will the person who stabbed you made sure their knife was clean and bacteria free? Not very nice but hopefully you get the idea.

As a victim

If you survive being stabbed you will have still have experienced major trauma to your body. It is likely to take you a long time to heal. You might find it difficult going out on your own as you are frightened you might be attacked again. You survived and experienced a nasty crime and you may have bad dreams reliving what happened to you. It is likely to have an impact on your family and friends who will be worried for you.

If you have been a victim of a crime please visit Victim Support for help and support.

As the offender

If you really had the intention to stab and kill someone you may feel happy when you find out your victim has died. In reality this is not often the case. How do you think you will really feel? How will your family feel about what you have done? You are very likely to get caught, so will face a long time in prison. Are you ready and prepared to do this?

These may be questions that you will have to answer if you do get charged with murder. Only you know the right answers.