​​In many areas around the UK local community groups who work with young people report that many young people may be carrying knives because they feel pressured into it, or because they feel as though they need protection. Evidence from the government suggests that knife crime is driven by a combination of poverty, fear, marginalisation and exploitation. 

Experts have also voiced concern about the potential links between mordern technology and teenage violence, this includes the use of social media, the dark web and media such as computer games and voilence depicted in movies/television shows for entertainment purposes. Violence has become a form of entertainment for the society of today.

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Knife crime affects all age groups, but it is the 12-24 age group that are more likely to carry a knife or other bladed items and it is also this age group that is more likely to fall victim to knife crime and violence. Knives are accessible to a lot of people, and they are easily hidden, this can cause many harmless confrontations to become violent if not deadly.

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VIP MK aims to inform young people and caregivers of knife crime, the dangers of knife crime and the consequences of knife crime. VIP MK aims to educate and arm young people with information, help, support and guidance. It also aims to highlight the important issues of "carrying for others", Coercion and exploitation of young people. Not everyone is carrying a knife because they want to. Some young people are coerced into carrying knives and other items for others. They may feel bullied into carrying for others, or feel as though they have to due to membership of gangs.

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Whatever the reason it is important that we are aware and that we understand all the factors involved, it is important to stay up to date with the ever changing dynamics of the young society and raise awareness around knife crime, carrying for others and the potential underlining reasons behind the behaviours of our young and vulnerable people of Milton Keynes. 

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