Report of the White Paper on Crime Consultation with Young People, 10 November 2010

Report of the White Paper on Crime Consultation with Young People (PDF - 703KB)  

Appendices to the report on the White Paper on Crime Consultation with Young People (PDF - 250KB)  

Published April 2011

(Please note this report contains colour charts and is best viewed or printed in colour)

 

ABOUT THE WHITE PAPER PROCESS

 

A White Paper provides a high level statement of Government policy, its rationale and the strategies to give effect to that policy.  Development of the White Paper on Crime involves an end-to-end examination of the prevention, intervention and enforcement strategies to combat crime.

This is the report on a consultation session with young people on crime that was held on 10 November 2010.  More information about the White Paper on Crime process and on the outcome of public consultations to date can be found on the Department's website (www.justice.ie).

The publication of this report provides a further opportunity for organisations and members of the public to submit comments on young people's views on crime and the other topics discussed in this report.

If you wish to make a submission please send your comments to:

whitepaperoncrime@justice.ie

or

White Paper on Crime Unit,
Department of Justice and Equality,
94 St. Stephen’s Green,
Dublin 2.

Submissions on this document should be made before the end of June, 2011.

If making a submission, please state if the views expressed are personal or are being made on behalf of an organisation. If views of an organisation are being submitted, it should be made clear which organisation is represented.

Submissions may be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts and may be published. Please indicate if you would prefer your submission to remain confidential or if you do not wish your name to be included in the list of  contributors.

Contents

 

Executive Summary & Recommendations

REPORT OF THE WHITE PAPER ON CRIME CONSULTATION WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

1. Background to the White Paper on Crime.

2. Methodology.

3. Participants.

4. Discussion Groups: Causes, Consequences and Prevention.

     A. DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE AND RELATED CRIME

     B. VANDALISM, THEFT AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR

     C. SEX CRIMES.

     D. VIOLENT AND PHYSICAL CRIME

SUMMARY OF MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE CRIME PREVENTION

APPENDICES – SCHEDULE AND EVALUATION OF CONSULTATION, FULL DATA FROM CONSULTATION 

     Appendix A - Consultation Schedule

     Appendix B - Evaluation Responses 

     Appendix C - Full lists of data gathered from flipcharts at the consultation meeting 

 

Executive Summary & Recommendations

 

White Paper on Crime Consultation with Young People, 10 November 2010

 

Aim

As part of the White Paper on Crime process, consultation with a wide range of groups is underway. The aim of this consultation session with young people was to listen to, understand and document the views of children and young people on crime in Ireland, to find out which crime related issues matter to them and how they thought Irish society should respond to crime into the future.

 

Discussion Outline

Consultation with young people is an important part of the White Paper on Crime process. The general outline for the consultation was to explore the following questions:

1. Why does crime happen?
2. How does crime happen?
3. What from your experience can be done to prevent crime?
   • What have you seen that works?
   • What doesn't work?
4. What can be done to improve things?

 

Methodology

The methodology for this event was designed in cooperation with the Communication and Participation team in the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) and managed by Coexist Ltd on behalf of the Department of Justice and Law Reform.  The design took into account best practice in conducting youth consultations and the experience of the OMCYA Participation team.

Thirty-four young people participated in the event.

The views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice and Law Reform or those of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. At several points in this report the views and suggestions of participants are recorded in the language used by the participants on the day.

 

Discussion topics

At the outset, participants identified different topics related to crime and types of crime.  A large number of topics were identified.  These were then grouped into four main categories which formed the following sub-themes for the consultation:

1. Drug and Alcohol use and related crime
2. Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour
3. Sex Crimes
4. Violent and Physical Crimes

Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behavior accounted for almost half of topics suggested. 

 

Main Recommendations

As part of the consultation process the participants were asked to suggest ways to prevent crime happening under each of the categories of crime that they had identified. The most popular suggestions were:

• Greater Levels of Law Enforcement
• Education
• More Facilities for Young People

 

Greater Levels of Law Enforcement

A high proportion of the suggestions made for dealing with all of the four categories of crimes identified could be categorised as law enforcement measures.

Increased Garda presence and involvement in the community featured prominently. Stricter law enforcement and sentencing were also raised in many comments, although there was divided opinion about the relative merits of rehabilitative measures as opposed to punitive ones, such as curfews and stricter sentences.  Some participants felt that cautions or 'allowing underage people off with it' just encourage people to think they can get away with drug or alcohol abuse.

Crime prevention measures such as more CCTV, better lighting, confidential phone lines, warning signs where serious attacks have previously taken place, as well as personal alarms were all raised.  Stricter controls on prescription drugs and border controls were also mentioned.  For drug and alcohol abuse, a lower legal drinking age was suggested as an alternative to high risk alcohol/drug use. Urine testing in schools was discussed.

 

Greater Levels of Education

Suggestions regarding Education as a means of preventing crime were deemed most effective for sex crimes and drug and alcohol related crime.

It was recommended that education and awareness raising to prevent sex crime should include case studies and the stories behinds the statistics, as well as advice on personal safety.  This should be delivered by people who are good at interacting with young people.  Information should be presented frankly and address taboo issues which are not always out in the open.

The issue of educating boys on rape and sex crimes was discussed in detail, in particular, the participants were concerned that young women are more likely to get advice and be educated on these topics than young men.  It was felt strongly that this should be addressed and that more education on rape and sex crimes, and the impact and consequences of these crimes, is needed in boys' schools.

Suggestions were also made for more education and awareness raising in connection with drug and alcohol abuse, including asking ex-addicts to provide support and advice, buddy systems, warnings on alcohol labels, field trips to prisons, involvement of addicts in drug projects and information on the long term personal consequences of drug/alcohol abuse.

It was also suggested that people who commit offences should meet their victims, as well as older people who might be 'terrorised' by some young people's behaviour.

 

More Facilities for young people

Participants suggested more facilities for young people as a crime prevention method, most notably in order to prevent vandalism, theft and disruptive behaviour.

Many different types of facilities were discussed - youth cafes, full-time centres with regular activities, more free events, a national 'clean up' day, awards for community involvement, sports and opportunities to volunteer.  It was suggested that Garda involvement with youth activities would help build better relationships with young people.  Broader community-wide regeneration and social inclusion were also proposed. There were, however, differences of opinion as to whether graffiti walls worked or just generated competition amongst 'taggers'.

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Report of the White Paper on Crime Consultation with Young People, 10 November 2010

1. Background to the White Paper on Crime

 

The White Paper on Crime will be the first of its kind and is the first major official examination of the overall approach to dealing with crime since the report of the National Crime Forum (1998) and the 'Tackling Crime' discussion document (1997).

A White Paper provides a high level statement of Government policy, its rationale and the strategies to give effect to that policy.  Development of the White Paper on Crime involves an end-to-end examination of the prevention, intervention and enforcement strategies to combat crime.

Consultation has to date played a key role in the preparation of the White Paper and has taken a variety of formats, so as to achieve an extensive and inclusive range of input.  Members of the public, together with relevant public agencies and other interested bodies have had a full opportunity to contribute to the policy's formulation.  Consultations have taken place on a number of themes, such as Crime Prevention and Community Safety, Criminal Sanctions, and White Collar Crime.  Consultation seminars have taken place in a number of locations around the country and with various groups including older citizens and victims of crime.

Consultation with young people is important to this process and young people's input on this complex subject matter is crucial.  The general outline for this consultation was to have the young people identify crime and related issues that they are aware of and ask what the causes and consequences of crime are, how crime can be prevented, what prevention methods they are aware of that work or don't work, and make recommendations to improve approaches to crime prevention.

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2. Methodology

 

The methodology for this event was designed in cooperation with the Participation Team in the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA).  The design took into account best practice in conducting youth consultations and the experience of the OMCYA Participation Team.

The final design contained a variety of group processes and facilitation methods aimed at creating the ideal setting for young people to share their views on the complex subject matter of crime.  'Icebreaker' activities were included to enable the participants' time and space to meet each other and to introduce themselves.  The facilitation methods blended Open Space Technology[1], Buzz Groups[2], Table Mat Method[3], Pair and Share[4] and Moving Debates[5] to keep the participants engaged in the consultation from start to finish.

The consultation proceeded as follows:

Topics for discussion were not set in advance.  Using the 'Open Space' method, the participants were asked 'What types of crime are you aware of?' Participants wrote types of crime and related topics on 'Post It' notes which were then stuck to an Open Wall.  Volunteers assisted the facilitation team to group the crimes into possible headings for the discussion groups.  Following this grouping, the headings for the consultation were:

Each participant then selected one of four tables assigned to the headings above.

The first part of the discussion was facilitated using the 'Table Mat' method.  This method divides a tablecloth into equal sections for each participant to write their responses to the questions:

This discussion was followed by a 'Moving Debate' on crime issues that asked participants to agree or disagree on the following statements:

• People commit Crime because they are poor.   (50-50 Split)
• Buying fake Gucci bags and CDs hurts no one.   (Mostly Agree)
• If we had a national age card for under-18s there would be no underage drinking.   (Mostly Disagree)

The second part of the discussion happened after lunch and again participants choose one of the four tables representing the four headings.  This discussion used 'Buzz Groups' and 'Pair and Share' methods to answer the following questions:

1. What have you seen to prevent crime that works? Why does this work?
2. What have you seen to prevent crime that doesn't work? Why does it not work?
3. What do you think can be done to reduce this type of crime?

This report has been written to group both the discussion on the causes and consequences of crime with the prevention methods and suggestions for the future.

The consultation schedule can be found in the Appendix to this report.

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3. Participants

 

The participants for this event were recruited from the Comhairle na nÓg organisations around the country, to ensure a geographical and demographic balance.  Comhairle na nÓg are local youth councils which act as a voice for young people's issues.  There are 34 local Comhairle na nÓg attached to 34 City and County Development Boards.

Young people aged 11 -18 were recruited and in total 34 young people participated in the event.

4. Discussion Groups: Causes, Consequences and Prevention

 

 

Introduction

The discussion topics were decided using an 'Open Space' method where the participants answered the question 'What types of crime are you aware of?' on 'Post It' notes.  These 'Post Its' were then grouped into themes by volunteers and the facilitation team.  This process identified four main topics for discussion:

The findings have been grouped into themes for ease of use and a full list of responses has been included in the Appendix of this report.

 

Analysis

The young people were aware of a vast range of crimes and associated behaviours.  The discussions held on the day showed that young people are aware of criminal sanctions and there was debate between those in favour of harsher penalties such as longer sentences, and those who prefer a rehabilitative approach.

Across all the themes discussed, young people suggested that education and awareness programmes, as well as facilities for young people, would enable more effective crime prevention.

Such education and awareness programmes should not to be limited to schools.  Meeting ex-drug users and offenders on a trip to prison were suggested as part of the awareness proposals, as well as advertising campaigns and changes to labels on alcohol and cigarettes.

Overall, the participants were in favour of increased Garda presence in communities and neighbourhoods.  However, there was debate over whether Gardaí should be in uniform or not.

With regard to alcohol and drug use, some young people identified the cause of this use as being related to mental health issues such as stress and depression.  'Escapism' and 'curiosity about drugs' also featured.  A lot of discussion centred on social group influence, and the acceptance of alcohol or drug use in peer groups.

During the discussion on the causes of vandalism, theft and disruptive behaviour, the participants commented that usually these behaviours or crimes are preceded by drinking or drug use and that if more facilities and services were available to people fewer of these types of crime would occur. White Collar Crime was also identified as a serious form of theft.

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'Underage/teenage drinking' was the second most frequently identified topic in this area.  Other topics brainstormed relating to alcohol included disorderly behaviour and fighting.

Substance abuse was identified once.

The two major themes that arose in the discussion of the causes of drug and alcohol use and related crime were:

1. Mental health issues
2. Social influence/acceptance

Mental health issues accounted for a total of 41% of the causes listed.  Topics discussed included 'escapism', depression and stress.  Different types of stress were identified including:

Some participants viewed drug and alcohol use in a positive way, mentioning 'to have fun' and 'for the laugh' as reasons for drug and alcohol use.

The acceptance of alcohol and drug use in society and peer groups was discussed by the participants.  Examples given included using alcohol or drugs 'to be sociable' and to 'fit in' with groups. The influence of friends and family was also mentioned, and reference was made to role models and acceptance in the media and rock music.

Drug addiction and drug dealing were other topics raised. 

Curiosity about drugs also featured, as did the ready availability of drugs, with one participant commenting that 'it's easier to get drugs than cigarettes'.

 

What are the consequences of Drug and Alcohol use and related crimes? 

Six main types of consequence were identified:

Physical and mental health impacts accounted for 54% of the consequences listed, and in particular the risk of drug-related fatalities. Mental health impacts such as depression, self harm and paranoia were discussed, as were social consequences, such as loneliness and 'falling out with people'.  Criminal justice consequences were also mentioned, including going to prison and the impact of having a criminal record on future job opportunities.
 

What have you seen that works to prevent Drug and Alcohol use and related crimes? Why does it work?

• Most things depend on the individual involved
• Most people also need help as they can't do it alone
• Rehab - is professional yet expensive
• 'Cold turkey' for drug users
• Jail/detention - can give people time to sober up and think
• Community centres - keeps young people occupied and happy
• Sports
• Some discos don't allow you in if you're unstable
• Education on drug awareness - educating people on drugs can change their mindset
• Community involvement - people feel committed like they should give back to the community
• More Gardaí present in neighbourhoods

 

What have you seen doesn't work to prevent Drug and Alcohol use and related crimes? Why doesn't it work?

• Taking drink/ drugs off of someone, but not doing anything about it
• 'Allowing underage people off with it all the time is wrong' - many under 18s do it because they know they can get away with it
• Drinking age - encourages early binge drinking in parks etc. before discos
• Having people come in to talk to young people e.g. Garda talks
• Stopping smoking in school
• Detention - gives you a chance to slag teacher
• Suspension from school - means young person is out of school
• 'Just Say No' message will not work

 

Suggestions to reduce Drug and Alcohol related crime:

There was a lot of debate held around the three main themes in the suggestions section.

1. Law Enforcement
2. Knowledge/Awareness
3. Facilities/Social Inclusion

Law enforcement methods comprised 57% of the overall suggestions.  There was a lot of discussion on how to get young people to support law enforcement measures to prevent these crimes occurring.

• 'Lower drinking age'and 'introducing urine testing in schools' were both equally popular suggestions and were mentioned most often.
• Knowledge and awareness suggestions accounted for 30% of overall suggestions with alcohol label warnings and 'field trips to prisons' being the most frequently suggested ideas in this category.
• Other suggestions were related to facilities and social inclusion.

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B. VANDALISM, THEFT AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR

 

Brainstorming - what are Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour?

During the brainstorming session theft/robbery were among the most identified topics - contributing to 30% of the overall topics suggested.

Various 'white collar' crimes such as tax evasion and fraud were grouped together and accounted for the second largest theme under this heading.

The most frequently identified topic in this area was 'lack of services/facilities'.  Alcohol and drug use were raised throughout the discussion around the causes of these types of crime.  The discussion around lack of services and facilities largely centred on alcohol and/ or drugs being taken before crimes are committed, and it was suggested that if more services were available less drink or drugs would be consumed and fewer of these types of crimes committed.

Topics that were raised among the family related causes included bad parenting, lack of parenting, poor role models and neglect.
 

Most of the consequences suggested were concerned with the individual or community.  Consequences for the individual included criminal record, bad relationships between children, more involvement in crime.  With regard to the impact on the community consequences discussed included 'ugly' neighbourhoods (due to vandalism), impact on house prices, as well as fear in community and elderly people feeling afraid.

There was division and a lot of debate within the group during this session.  Some young people felt that stricter measures were needed, whereas others were in favour of rehabilitative measures.  This debate around law enforcement and rehabilitation continued into the 'What works?' section.

 

Prevention of Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour - What works? Why?

Law enforcement methods accounted for just under half of the topics identified.  During the discussion there was division between those who favoured stricter penalties and those who favoured rehabilitation.

Again the theme of facilities played a big part in the discussion. More youth cafés, youth centres, graffiti walls, better lighting and regular activities were the main suggestions in this area.

 

Prevention of Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour - What doesn't work? Why?

The group identified 11 current measures they felt don't work, 5 of which related to prison factors.

The topics identified are listed in the table below:

Graffiti walls - create competition     Consulting/awareness for set groups - needs to be for all  Prison sentences for petty crimes     Not having rehab in prison      Prison is not strict enough      Media glamorising crimes      Some Garda attitudes - abuse of powers    Too much freedom in prescription drugs which are sold, can also lead to dependence     Prescriptions need to be reduced     Borders not tight enough - need to be strengthened (avoid smuggling)

  

 

Suggestions to prevent Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour

Law enforcement and facilities were the 2 main themes in this discussion, accounting for 41% and 38% respectively of the suggestions listed.  The participants were particularly interested in Garda presence in neighbourhoods and in Gardaí becoming involved in the community and improving their relationship with young people.

Other suggestions included increasing undercover Gardaí and checkpoints, skate parks with graffiti walls, more effort being put into rehabilitation, education & awareness programmes, access to volunteering and rewards for community work.

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The second most mentioned consequence was 'child abuse', which accounted for 20% of the overall consequences listed.

What have you seen that works to prevent sex crimes? Why does it work?

• Increase penalties for rape - longer jail sentences, increase penalties for trafficking
• Rape - state-funded counselling for victims (after the crime)
• More CCTV in secluded areas
• More Gardaí
• Education - make people aware of how to act in situations, self defence for boys and girls - gives someone more confidence if in that situation (won't give up)
• Education - try to create empathy/knowledge of effects of rape
• Case studies - more effective for boys - showing real life situations
• Education - teaching people about sex crimes will allow people to know consequences
• Make people aware so they report it
• Child abuse - increased knowledge about social services that allow children to escape

 

What doesn't work? Why?

• Just giving statistics - a story is needed to back up statistics - teachers in SPHE (Social Personal & Health Education) often give statistics
• Getting talks from people who don't interact with young people - young people need a balance of seriousness and informality
• Rape alarms - they 'would sound just like car alarms and no-one listens to them'
• Schools completely ignoring the issues of sex crimes and not allowing discussion of them (e.g. Catholic schools)
• Often principals and teachers care more about the reputation of the school than the safety of students
• Not enough counsellors in schools to talk about sex crimes and problem issues
• In child protection situations - adults should listen and explain options to young person and prepare them for what is going to happen
  

Suggestions to improve prevention of Sex Crimes

There were 4 main themes in the suggestions:

Law enforcement measures were the most frequently mentioned suggestions accounting for 46% of all suggestions.  There was a lot of discussion around CCTV and it was suggested that Garda presence should be increased and stronger penalties applied when crimes have been committed.  Services such as emergency button/support lines also played a big part in the discussion.

There was a lot of debate around signs in public places warning of personal danger, such as accident black spots, and the young people suggested this sign:

Education and awareness campaigns about the after-effects and recovery from sex crimes accounted for 42% of suggestions.

Other suggestions:

• CCTV (more of it)
• More CCTV in secluded areas that would be monitored more frequently
• More Gardaí - more CCTV - take away opportunities
• Emergency buttons to send a message to the Gardaí or guardians - these could be disguised as jewellery
• Emergency rape phone number for alerting - track calls
• Don't walk alone in unlit areas
• Signs in public places - Warning of personal danger (like accident black spot)
• More investigations and be taken seriously at all times
• CCTV in lanes, public lighting so it's less dangerous
• Longer sentences - during sentences get counselling
• Regardless of mental state - should get same sentence
• Prison sentences should be raised, as in many cases the sentence is too short
• The issues should be discussed more in school and work places
• In school, counsellor shouldn't be a teacher that you interact with - should be outsider
• Education - more education on the subject in schools - shouldn't be ignored
• Education - continue SPHE (Social, Personal & Health Education)
• Awareness campaigns
• More awareness - 'Movember' style campaign
• Show the aftermath or the life of someone who has been raped
• Publicise male rape
• Show the people behind the statistics - who they are and their stories
• Raise awareness - people need to know what's out there - if it keeps being ignored it will continue to happen
• Ad campaigns
• Treat victims of Sex crimes properly - let everyone know there is help out there for them
• More volunteers/funding for agencies that can help in cases of rapes etc. Services should be free and readily available
• Fundraising for charities
• More facilities for psychological help
• Self defence resources should be available for use for men and women
• In relation to sex trafficking anyone who is applying to live in this country should have a valid reason for staying (or should be investigated)
• Better customs awareness of where trafficked people are hidden/brought into the country
• Make all people who have access to children subject to inspection
• More small businesses to create more jobs - more jobs so people don't have to resort to prostitution

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D. VIOLENT AND PHYSICAL CRIME

Murder was the most frequently mentioned topic in this area at 51% and included 'homicide', 'killing', and 'stabbings'.  The next most familiar topic to the participants was other types of physical violence.

What are the causes of Violent and Physical Crime?

 

There were 4 main themes identified in this session:

Emotional causes - these included issues such as jealousy, dealing with death, attention seeking - and accounted for 18% of the overall suggestions.

Bullying/Racism - also accounted for 18% of the suggestions listed.

Lack of facilities - the causes identified under this theme related to people having 'no release' and 'venting pent up anger'.

Past experiences - these were causes relating to abusive childhoods and relationships and were grouped separately.

What are the consequences of Violent and Physical Crime?

 

The impact on family and community was the most frequently identified consequence.

Other suggestions are detailed below:

• Sadness in families
• No respect from family; criminal becoming disowned from their families
• A bad name for the family of the person committing the crime
• Foster care - someone looking for a new family
• Cause people not to talk
• Break up of relationships or excluded from groups
• After a crimes committed as a result of a mental illness - a diagnosis could be made resulting in proper treatment as opposed to punishment
• General shock - following a crime in the community
• More careful; more aware - be more aware of the Gardaí
• If committed by people of a certain gender or age, bad stereotype for that age group or gender
• Leads to more violence
   

 

Prevention of Violent and Physical Crime - what works? Why?

40% of the topics discussed related to facilities and education each and 20% related to law enforcement measures.

• Community clubs - get the children off the streets
• Confidential phone lines
• Help lines - people trust the person they are talking to on support help lines
• Posters - thinking about things more
• Newspapers - make people more aware
• Bullying - buddy system in schools
• Bullying - young people are being educated about bullying
• More Gardaí - stops people offending
• Cameras - catch the violence
• Speed bumps - reduces dangerous driving

 

What doesn't work to prevent Violent and Physical Crime?

The topics discussed in this session related to law enforcement measures.

• Crime is now socially accepted - change the attitude
• Strict sentences cause people to rebel
• Lenient sentences say its ok to commit crime
• Laws don't work because they are not for under 18s
• Cautions - 'don't mean ok , they don't mean what they are saying'
• Not having guns
• Gardaí can be too serious with young people
• Gardaí not strict enough on joyriding
• Community service - not really punishment
  
  

   

Suggestions to improve prevention of Violent and Physical Crime:

The suggestions made during this exercise fall into 3 categories:

• Make stricter laws or educate young people on consequences of crime
• More Gardaí on street during day - not just night
• Gardaí should be working with schools so students caught fighting are given a caution, not just expelled or suspended
• Age armbands system will stop drinking - won't get drunk and start fighting
• Clean needles off streets
• More peer education - because it teaches effects of crime
• Peer education - change social attitudes
• Make friends in youth clubs/cafés - rather than ‘messing outside’
• Better role models
• Education about crime - about being nice people - should start at very early age, 3 years on
• Educate young people on the dangers of joyriding before they are allowed to drive

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SUMMARY OF MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE CRIME PREVENTION

 

This section contains the main recommendations from the discussion groups with suggestions for what the young people would like to see happen in the future to help prevent crime.

The three main themes running through the recommendations were:

 

Law Enforcement

Across all four headings the most frequently made suggestions were on the theme of law enforcement.  Recommendations made included stricter penalties and as well as rehabilitative measures.

There were two main topics that came up most frequently among the 'law enforcement' suggestions: increasing Garda presence and community involvement, and stricter sanctions.  Also discussed were increasing the use of CCTV and the value of rehabilitative methods

Increase in Garda presence and community involvement accounted for 17% of the overall suggestions for preventing crime.  In particular, there were more of these types of suggestions in the sex crimes and drugs and alcohol sections.  There was also discussion around whether Gardaí should be in uniform or not.

On the day there was a lot of debate around the following suggestions:

• More Garda presence
• Stricter laws for offending/re-offending
• Education programmes through the Gardaí/Justice System
• Lower drinking age
• Better signs system to alert people of possible danger- e.g. Personal Danger area

The types of suggestions around Garda presence and community involvement included more Garda checkpoints, more Garda presence in neighbourhoods, whether this presence should be undercover or in uniform and increasing Garda presence during the day as well as at night. 

It was suggested that Gardaí should be involved in local clubs like GAA and soccer clubs to build relationships with young people, and that Gardaí should work with schools to address fighting.

With regard to sex crimes, it was suggested there should be more investigations of sex crimes and these types of crime should be taken seriously at all times.

Participants discussed CCTV and suggested it should be used in secluded areas and lanes, backed up with public lighting and signs warning of personal danger.  More lighting around popular drinking and crime-related areas was also proposed.  Emergency buttons disguised as jewellery and emergency phone numbers for alerting Gardaí or parents were also discussed.

Suggestions relating to penalties were generally in favour of stricter sanctions however there was debate around the need for more rehabilitative methods.  Suggestions included longer sentences with counselling for offenders during the sentence, stricter laws and educating young people on consequences of crime.  Another suggestion was to have young people meet the homeowners or older people they are 'terrorising'.

The participants also discussed border controls in relation to human trafficking as well as Garda clearance for persons working with children.

 

Education

Education and lack of education were the subject of a lot of discussions and debate, with participants suggesting educating on crime and alcohol and drugs from an early age.  Furthering education and awareness through SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) and CSPE (Civic, Social and Personal Education) classes as well as educating young people on the dangers of joyriding before being allowed to drive were proposed.  Peer education to teach the effects of crimes and change social attitudes and role models were discussed.

The young people gave particular attention to education and awareness campaigns in the discussions on sex crimes and drugs and alcohol.

In the sex crimes discussion the suggestions were around improving the awareness of the effects of sex crimes as well as improving personal safety (self defence resources for men and women were suggested).  In school, it was suggested that the school counsellor should be an outsider rather than a teacher, that education be provided on the impact of sex crimes on the life of the victim, showing the person behind the statistics and their story.

Awareness campaigns such as ad campaigns and 'Movember' style campaigns were discussed. There was concern that the subject of sex crimes should not be ignored, 'people need to know what's out there if it keeps going ignored it will continue to happen'.  There was also a lot of discussion around the lack of education on rape and sex in boys' schools.

In the drugs and alcohol discussions the suggestions were related to education on the effects of drug and alcohol use, meetings with ex-addicts, as well as school visits to prisons.

 

Facilities

Facilities - or lack of, were another big theme among the suggestions across three of the four headings.  In the discussions around -Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour-, 'more facilities' was the most popular suggestion to prevent these types of crime.

The young people recommended more youth cafes and youth centres that are open full time, as well as sporting events and cheaper tickets for music and sporting events.  Skate parks with graffiti walls were suggested, and there was discussion around whether graffiti walls can help prevent 'tagging' or whether they just make people more competitive.  Activities that all young people can become involved in, as well as day trips for young people were proposed.  Volunteering was also discussed and proposals in this area included that there should be more opportunities to volunteer, rewards for volunteering, fundraising for charities and a national cleaning day for communities.

Facilities and services for the victims of sex crimes were also discussed and the participants said that victims of sex crimes should be made aware that there is help available for them.  They suggested more volunteers and funding are needed, and that services should be free and readily available.  Facilities for psychological help were also proposed.

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APPENDICES - SCHEDULE AND EVALUATION OF CONSULTATION, FULL DATA FROM CONSULTATION

11:30 a.m.	Arrival and registration
11.40 a.m.	Welcome and Introduction to White Paper on Crime process
11.50 a.m.	Brainstorm on 'What is Crime?'
12.00 p.m.	Ice Breaking and Energiser Activities
12.15 p.m.	First Discussions  What are the Causes and Consequences of Crime?
12.55 p.m.	Moving Debate on Crime Issues
1.00 p.m.	Lunch
2.15 p.m	Second Discussions What can be done to prevent Crime?
3.15 p.m.	Summary feedback by young people
3.20 p.m.	Final Comments from White Paper on Crime Unit
3.25 p.m.	Evaluation
3.30 p.m.	Conference Close

Appendix B - Evaluation Responses

Participants were issued with an evaluation form at the end of the day, and 31 were returned from a total 34 participants.

 

What was the Consultation about?

The responses to this question show that the participants had a good grasp of what the event was about.

• Getting young people's views on the issues of crime
• Hearing what young people had to say
• To listen to the views of young people on crime
• My views on crime and how to stop it
• Our views on major criminal issues
• Young people's input on crime and all surrounding areas
• Why does crime happen and what can be done
• The causes and consequences of crime, ways of preventing crime and what we've seen before
• Young people and crime
• Drugs and crime
• Crime and how it affects young people
• Crime
• Preparation for the White Paper on Crime
• Crime causes consequences and resolutions
  

 

Do you think it was an appropriate way for consulting with young people?

The methods used were received very well with young people commenting that they had ample opportunity to have their views heard and they felt they were treated as adults.

• Yes
• Yes it is as we don't have a vote
• Yes everyone worked well
• Yeah it was brilliant and should be done every year
• Yes because everyone had the opportunity to voice their opinions
• Yes we were treated as adults
• It was fun and hands on.
  

 

Please rate the following 1 being poor and 5 being brilliant.

Accumulated Response

Venue	1(0)	2(0)	3(1)	4(9)	5(21)
Facilitators	1(0)	2(0)	3(0)	4(6)	5(25)
Discussions	1(0)	2(0)	3(2)	4(7)	5(22)
Moving Debates	1(0)	2(2)	3(9)	4(11)	5(9)
Food	1(1)	2(0)	3(8)	4(16)	5(6)
General Organisation	1(0)	2(0)	3(1)	4(11)	5(19)

These responses indicate that the participants were very happy with the consultation in general.  The response to the 'Moving Debate' was mixed.  In most categories two thirds of participants scored the event 4 or more.

 

What else do you think you gained from the event?

• A better understanding of the issues
• An excellent opportunity to contribute to an important issue
• It was a great social event
• New friends and a broader knowledge on crime
• Got to meet other young people with interesting views
• Great everyone participated
• Chance to Speak out
• A broader understanding of crime
• Confidence
• Friendships as I got to know people from all over he country
• I know more about crime
• Courage to speak out and give your opinion
• A point of view I didn't have before
  

 

Any other comments or suggestions

Brainstorming - what are Drug and Alcohol use and related crime?

40 topics were suggested in this area.

• Possession of drugs       2
• Crimes by teenagers after alcohol has been consumed e.g. egging houses,
  shoplifting    
• Being a drug ‘mule’      2
• Drink driving      2
• Taking Drugs      12
• Drunk and disorderly behaviour 
• Substance abuse    
• Drug trafficking      2
• Drinking nights – people fighting  
• Teenagers drinking/Underage drinking   6
• Drugs criminal gangs   
• Urinating in public   
• Smuggling drugs      2
• Drug Dealing       5
• Drug offences  

 

What causes Drug and Alcohol use and related crime?

There were 67 causes listed in total.

• Boredom       3
• When down or depressed    4
• The addiction to the buzz    2
• Influence of friends/family    2
• Peer pressure      4
• Trying to fit in with groups    
• Pressure and stress, school, exams   2
• Escape from reality/problems    2
• Makes you feel ecstatic and on top of world  3
• To be rebellious (against parents)   2
• Enjoyment of it      
• Its easy to get, more accessible than cigarettes  3
• Curiosity of the Drugs     5
• It’s a group thing (until you get addicted)  
• Stress (linked to recession, jobs money)  
• Stress       
• To make money - Drug dealing is easy money  4
• Family stress      
• Dealers are not users
• Drugs – urban vs. Alcohol - rural - It’s a divide for some     
• No/Low self confidence    3
• Addiction      3
• Music/Media influence    2
• Role Models – Rock stars    
• To be sociable/social acceptance   3
• To have fun/For the laugh    2
• Society (background)    
• To block out negatives in their lives (no-one to talk to)
• Celebrations      
• To feel better      
• To ‘Fit in’      
• Lack of resources     
• ‘Head shops’ – don’t know what you’re taking 
• Sounds fun      
• Greed 
  

 

What are the consequences of Drug and Alcohol use and related crime?

There were 91 consequences listed.

• Possibility of going to prison 6
• Can damage your Career  
• Embarrassing yourself  
• Loss of /disconnected from family 2
• Social problems   2
• Serious illness   
• Death    7
• Bad for health   5
• Depressed - leads to self-harm, suicide    5
• Hepatitis    
• Can lead to mental breakdown 2
• short lived happiness  
• Loneliness   2
• Arguments at home with parents 
• Lost of trust   
• Become broke   
• Addiction   3
• Financial struggles  
• Overdosing
• Reputation    
• Shame/getting caught, parents finding out   4
• Brain cells destroyed   2
• HIV, AIDS    2
• Mental illness    
• Organ Failure    
• Skin deterioration   
• Sterile from Heroin/Meth use  2
• Memory loss    
• Getting caught – Garda record – hard to get jobs   4
• Theft – many will steal to feed habit 2
• Drug driving    
• Drug dealing    
• Gang involvement – leads to torture,
• horrific crimes
• Paranoia    5
• Hallucinations   
• Expensive/Bad on your pocket 4
• Fines    
• Fall out with people  
• Lead to heavy drugs  
• Gardaí don’t really know who’s doing it – its impossible  
• Education – stoned in class/getting in trouble/poor education 4
• Lack of education about drugs 
• Lack of treatment – family should help you get it
• Lack of interest   2
• Homelessness
  
  

Suggestions to reduce Drug and Alcohol related crime

There were 44 suggestions made.

• Lower drinking age to 16     4
• Introduce urine testing in schools    4
• Structure/Stricter laws for catching you with drugs 3
• Gardaí explain more re personal effects - career (Gardaí clearance)     3
• Field trips to prisons     3
• Alcohol label warnings     3
• Drug and Alcohol awareness more noticeable with ex-addicts meeting once a month   2
• Ban advertising for alcohol     2
• More awareness on how you can get better after drugs 2
• Less awareness on how bad Drugs are   2
• More education on effects of drugs by teachers, support workers     2
• Ex-drug addicts give talks to young people   2
• Use pictures on fag boxes like they do in England  2
• Set up drop in centres so addicts will have somewhere to go     2
• Set up projects and involve addicts heavily in the process     2
• Drug education programmes where you actually get input into them   
• Reduce drinking age and smoking age – give 13-16 age group less of binge use 
• Ex drug addicts to give moral support on how to give up for good     
• Ban advertisement on Radio/ TV/ Billboards – giving an untrue insight into alcohol 
• Government to advertise the health issues of addiction to drink   
• Should be allowed to smoke in school – but not in class

 

Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour

Brainstorming - what are theft, vandalism and disruptive behaviour?

108 topics were listed in total.

• Not paying for a parking ticket 
• Speeding - driving carelessly 6
• Public disorder   
• Making fake passports/IDs 2
• Anti-social behaviour  2
• Disruptive behaviour  2
• Theft    13
• Robbery    14
• Grand theft auto   4
• Loitering     2
• Vandalism    11
• Graffiti    3
• Breaking the law   2
• Pub fighting  
• Street fighting    
• Possession of arms/weapons etc 2
• Organised dog fights 
• Public indecency
• Chicken racing 
• Whopping the tunes (loud music)
• Littering    2
• Smuggling - untaxed cigarettes, Perfumes, foods, weapons  
• Shop lifting  
• Harassment  
• Lying to law force  
• Negligence  
• Public violation  
• Resisting arrest 
• Making the elderly feel insecure 
• Arson    3
• Breaking the peace in streets 
• Verbal abuse
• Bribery 
• Corruption   2
• Illegal downloads 
• Tax evasion  2
• Embezzlement
• Fraud   3
• White collar crime 
• Possession of drugs
• Discrimination 
• Organised crime 
• Lying under oath 
• Not having a TV licence 
• Obstruction of justice 
• Misrepresentation of assets
• Crimes against the State 
• Money laundering 
  
  

What are the causes of Crime related to Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour?

There were 57 causes listed.

• Attention seeking  -wanting attention from peers 2
• Peer pressure – nothing to do for young people 3
• Social problems - area where you live 
• They don’t know right from wrong 
• People aren't strongly ensuring these things aren't happening
• Not enough participation being advertised to youth
• Debts -people being forced for debts, even if they don’t have money may lead to robbery 
• People not getting enough information on alternatives to get out of bad situations so they can make bad choices 
• A lot more involvement in getting communities together and not excluding groups of people 
• Teenagers not being kept busy between the hours of 6-8 in the evening and teenagers wandering around the streets in search of alcohol
• Greed  
• No sense of community 
• No Education  2
• Social responsibility 
• Social problems - education
• Boredom   2
• Stereotyping  
• The Irish stereotype – drink
• Lack of parenting 
• Pressure of leaving cert 
• Lack of facilities  
• Poverty   2
• Lack of bins  
• Recession   
• Bad planning  
• Lack of services  
• Neglect   
• Low self esteem  
• Bad example been set 
• Greediness 
• Lack of care
• Cry out for attention 
• Broken homes 
• Not enough good role models
• Organised dog fights
• Nothing to do  
• Abuse at home 
• Theft - having no money
• Stress  2
• Unemployment 2
• Being lazy - litter 
• Peer pressure from friends - speed  
• Bullying  
• Drink  
• Drugs 
• Resisting arrest 
• Bad parenting 
• No Graffiti walls – Graffiti 
• Nothing to do

 

What are the consequences of Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour?

Vandalism – 12 in total 

• Antisocial Behaviour
• Personal loss  
• Theft   
• Social Problems  
• Ugliness   
• Lower house prices 
• Destroying property 
• Council cleaning costs increase
• Worse community spirit 
• Stereotypes   
• Abandonment of areas

 

 

Theft - 8 in total

• Insurance premiums
• Jail
• Loss
• Social problems
• Gangland Violence
• Poverty 
• Greed
• Have to go look for missing sheep

 

 

Disruptive Behaviour - 8 in total

• Violence   
• Fear   
• Prejudice   
• Social problems  
• Loss   
• Jail    
• Theft   
• Loss of community sense

 

 

Individual/Community Impact – 20 in total 

• Community service
• House arrest
• Cleaning
• Paying for damage    2
• Exclusion from Community
• Removal of licence
• More people in hospital
• Creates fear among people and families
• So more bad influences on younger generations
• Breakdown of relationships
• Leads to bigger crimes
• People having crimes on their personal record
• Elderly people feeling  scared and insecure
• Horrible looking neighbourhoods so no tourists attractions
• Discouraging people to live in area
• More ghost estates
• Relations become worse between kids forever
• People being discouraged to change their ways and become criminals  

 

 

Prevention of Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour - What works? Why?

35 topics identified in total.

• More respect for alcohol    
• More checkpoints     2
• Youth cafe's      
• Graffiti walls      2
• Awareness education on consequences  
• Community service     2
• Undercover Gardaí     2
• Better planning      2
• Personal experience in education programmes 
• Curfew for offenders     
• Good lighting      2
• More Gardaí      
• Rehabilitation      2
• National cleaning day     2
• More Gardaí present in neighbourhoods – prevents teens from causing trouble as they know they will get caught  
• More respect for alcohol in this country - worked in America
• More community involvement - involving everyone  
• Fundraisers - so people see value in money - instead of  stealing they learn how to raise money in healthy ways  
• People in debt       
• More youth facilities open full time - they have somewhere to go at all times not just the streets    
• Youth centres with regular activities    
• Education through DVDs and seminars – educate about problems
• Personal accounts - more personal education of problems 
• Curfews - stops troublemakers from re-offending   
• Regeneration        
• Better services and facilities     
• New stuff - school/sports equipment
  

 

Prevention of Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour - What doesn't work? Why?

11 prevention methods were mentioned in total.

• Graffiti walls - creates competition    
• Consulting/awareness for set groups - needs to be for all 
• Prison sentences for petty crimes    
• Not having rehab in prison     
• Prison is not strict enough     
• Media glamorising crimes     
• Some Garda attitudes - abuse of powers   
• Too much freedom in prescription dugs which are sold 
• (Can also lead to dependence)    
• Prescriptions need to be reduced    
• Borders not tight enough - need to be strengthened (avoid smuggling)

 

Suggestions to prevent Vandalism, Theft and Disruptive Behaviour

There were 38 Suggestions.

• Meet the people - the owners of the homes that they are terrorising
• More Gardaí present in the Neighbourhoods
• Insane colours on buildings to display diversity and individuality 
• Teenagers meeting the older people that they are terrorising 
• Cheaper tickets and more music and sports events   
• More Gardaí present in neighbourhoods (not undercover)  
• More organised sporting events within your area   
• More skate parks with Graffiti walls    
• More education in primary school about alcohol and drugs to stop people getting involved with them
• (A lot of criminals are involved in drugs)    
• More gentlemen’s clubs      
• Undercover guards       
• More effort put into rehabilitation     
• More Garda checkpoints      
• More things for young people with all interest to do  2
• Days out/away       
• Days away for teens      
• Gardaí should have better relationship with youth and be more co-operative   
• Gardaí should get involved in local clubs such as GAA, soccer teams etc- to build better relationships with youth  
• More lighting around popular drinking and crime related areas
• Educate more in secondary schools e.g. in CSPE (Civic, Social & Political Education) 
• Street lighting       
• More bins to prevent litter      
• More Gardaí around the areas where crime is high  
• More CCTV cameras (and be monitored)    
• Stricter prison sentences - after released they should be monitored for a while to make sure they change their ways   
• Enforce education and help them get jobs to prevent them from stealing  
• Youth offender programmes should get more  involved with the families of offenders      
• More education through schools     
• More reward for community work (national day)   
• Easier to understand law      
• More access to youth cafés. Open full-time basis   
• An incentive to stop re-offending (national award scheme  - Like to be on personal record)      
• Behaviour check up's      
• More access to rehabilitation facilities    
• More free events/activities      
• More access to volunteering opportunities  
  
  

 

Sex Crimes

Brainstorming - what is Sex crime?

There were 43 topics mentioned in total.

• Rape    19
• Sexual Abuse   2
• Abuse    
• Underage Sex   4
• Child Porn   
• Sexual Harassment  2
• Prostitution   3
• Sexual assault   
• Child abuse   5
• Abuse (adult)   
• People trafficking  2
• Public Indecency  
• Probing without a permit
  

 

What are the causes of different types of Sex Crimes?

Child abuse

• Mental problems
• Family issues e.g. parents fighting
• The culprit was previously a victim - reflect on their behaviour
• Drunkenness
• Drugs
• Childhood
• Negative past experience
• Lack of protocol for people who have access to kids
• Anger issues
  

 

Human Trafficking/Prostitution 

• Lack of Education
• Lack of jobs
• Drugs
• Desperation
• Money/profits
• Power
• Low self esteem
• People are paid less when they're trafficked
• Fear

 

Rape

• Formerly a victim
• Need for power (like to be feared)
• Underage sex
• Powerless over of life - looking for power or drugs
• Cruel childhood
• Low self esteem
• Seen on TV- given the idea
• Opportunists
• Being drunk/on drugs
• Lack of empathy
• Public  - like to not be known

 

 

Underage Sex

• Lack of education
• Culture
• Example seen on TV
• Pressured into it

 

 

Public Indecency

• Caused by drink/drugs abuse
  

 

Sexual Harassment

• Trauma previously experienced by culprit may lead to this and then abuse
  
  

What are the consequences of Sex crimes?

Emotional Effects

• Depression
• Belief in others
• STD - Aids/HIV
• Mental illness
• Babies - adoption/abortion
• Suicide
• Paranoia
• Self Harm
• Violent
• Turn to addiction e.g. Chris Brown
• Runaways
• Problem with Trust
• Low sense of self esteem/self worth
• Drugs and Alcohol (consolation)
• Fears of sex and relationships

 

 

Rape

• Loss in faith of Catholic Church
• Domino effect - victim more like to do it themselves
• Spread of STIs
• Psychological trauma for victim
• Could lead to suicide/self harm
• STD/STIs
• Pregnancy
• Emotional state
• Suicidal
• Man rape - has same effects here, unheard of. (Makes man feel weak)
• May not trust anybody to come close to you
• Close yourself off to others
  

 

Child Abuse

• Emotional effects – this is the most dominant effect
• Trying to block out the past
• Feeling alone
• Angry at the past
• Lack of trust for future boy/girlfriend
• Make you feel weak
• Vengeance could lead to murder
• Affects child for life
• Child becomes rapist
• Incest breeding
• No childhood
• Low self-esteem
• Warp their mind
• View sex negatively
• Insecurity
• Lack of trust
• Feeling vulnerable
• Confusion - repeating what happened because there’s sexual morality or normality

 

 

Pregnancy

• Victim carries baby
• Childhood loss
• Virginity being taken away
• STI/STD
• Could become pimp/rapist/slut
• Could abuse your own child
• Effect religious beliefs
• Trusting issues could occur
• HIV/AIDS
• Afraid of becoming an outcast
• Start to believe its your fault and start to cut yourself or gain mental illness issues
• Unwanted children - may turn to commit more offences
• When men get raped they don’t speak out so it gets worse
• Leaves life long scars

 

Human Trafficking/Prostitution

• Slave labour
• STDs
• No money
• Forced to follow orders
• Reputation
• Addiction to deal with shame
• Trauma
• Suicide
  

 

Underage Sex

• Underage pregnancy
• Domino effect
• Done it once - do it again
• Possible psychological
• Affects if start too young

 

Sexual Harassment

• Cause depression
• Suicide
• Loss of job (in workplace)

 

Prostitution 

• Gang Crime
• Spread of STIs
• Personal issues (self confidence)
• Difficult to get out of
• Kids could have bad childhood
• Prostitution bad for economy
  
  

 

Prevention - what have you seen that works to prevent Sex Crime? And why does it work?

• Rape - increased penalties (higher jail sentence)
• Rape - after - state provided counsellors for victims
• More CCTV in secluded areas
• More Gardaí
• Education - victims more aware of how to act in situations (self-defence)
• Education - try to create empathy/knowledge of effects of rape
• Case studies - more effective for boys - showing real life situations
• Education - teaching people about sex crimes will allow people to know consequences
• Self-defence - more confidence if in that situation (won’t give up) - for boys and girls
• Trafficking
• Increased penaltie
• Make people aware so they report it
• Child abuse
• Increased knowledge about social services that allow children to escape

 

What doesn't work? Why?

• Just giving statistics - a story is needed to back up stats - Teachers in SPHE (Social, Personal & Health Education) often give statistics
• Getting talks from people who don’t interact with young people
• Young people need a balance of seriousness and informality
• Rape alarms - they sound just like car alarms and no-one listens to them
• Catholic schools that completely ignore the issues of sex crimes and won’t allow discussion of them
• Often principals and teachers care more about the reputation of the school than the safety of students
• Not enough counsellors in schools to talk about sex crimes and problem issues
• In child protection situations - adults should listen and explain options to young person and prepare them for what is going to happen
  
  

 

Suggestions to improve prevention of Sex Crimes

• CCTV (more of it)
• More investigations and be taken seriously at all times
• Treat victims of sex crimes properly - let everyone know there is help out there for them
• In relation to sex trafficking anyone who is applying to live in this country should have a valid reason for their staying (or should be looked into)
• Longer sentences - during sentences get counsellors
• Regardless of mental state - should get same sentence
• Living in urban cities when buying new house get test for mental health issues
• More facilities for physiological help
• The issues should be discussed more in school and work places
• In school counsellor shouldn’t be a teacher that you interact with - should be outsider
• Education - more education on the subject in schools - shouldn't be ignored
• More CCTV in secluded areas that would be monitored more frequently
• Prison sentences should be raised in many cases the sentence is too short etc
• More volunteers/funding for agencies that can help in cases of rapes etc. Services should be free and readily available
• Self-defence resources should be available for use for men and women
• Awareness campaigns
• More awareness – ‘Movember’ style campaign
• Show the aftermath or the life of someone who has been raped
• Publicise male rape
• Show the people behind the statistics - who they are and their stories
• CCTV in lanes, public lighting so its less dangerous
• Emergency buttons to send a message to the Gardaí or guardians - these could be disguised as jewellery
• Emergency rape phone number for alerting - track calls
• Better Customs' awareness of where trafficked people are hidden/brought into the country
• Make all people who have access to children open to inspection
• Education – Continue SPHE (Social, Personal & Health Education)
• Raise awareness - people need to know what’s out there if it keeps going ignored it will continue to happen
• Ad campaigns
• Fundraising for charities
• Don’t walk alone in unlit areas
• Signs in public places - Warning of personal danger (like accident black spot)
• More Gardaí - more CCTV - take away opportunities
• More small businesses to create more jobs - more possible jobs so people don’t have to resort to prostitution
  

 

 

Violent and Physical Crime

Brainstorming - what is Violent and Physical Crime?

45 topics listed in total

• Attacking someone   
• Fighting    3
• Kidnapping    
• Crimes against humanity  
• Genocide    
• War Crimes    
• Gangland crimes   2
• Warfare    
• Hate-crimes    
• Vigilante justice   2
• Cockfighting    
• Domestic violence   4
• Murder     16
• Manslaughter    4
• Stabbings/Murder   
• Homicide     
• Killing     
• Violence    3
  

 

What causes violent and physical crime?

There were 61 causes listed.

• Threatening     2
• Family influence     
• Family influence – take it out on friends   
• Deaths     
• Drugs     2
• Name calling    
• Abuse     
• Relationships    
• Boys     
• School's - teacher can annoy you (threw chair)    
• Bad temper    2
• Rival schools - put areas against each other    
• Language     
• Anger     2
• Mental illness    
• Conflict in our community  
• Bullying     2
• Fighting     
• The street/estate we live in 
• Hatred    
• Girls vs. Girls Jealousy  
• Girls vs. Boys Jealousy  
• Boys vs. Boys Jealousy  
• Feuds    
• Peer education   
• Bonfire    
• Street wars   
• Having an abusive childhood 
• Venting pent-up anger  
• Poverty - not being able to afford the things you want 
• Being in an abusive relationship 
• Not wanting to conform to the norm
• Jealousy
• Peer Pressure    
• Experiencing a trauma either as adult or a child
• Wanting revenge   
• Trying to fit in   
• Child abuse    
• Being cool - fighting make people like you 
• Earning respect within a gang 
• Anger     2
• Home problems   
• Problems with the people  
• Attention seeking   
• Bad relationship   
• Money issues   
• Boredom    
• Arguments    
• Conflict 
• Rants    
• Genocide    
• Inaccurate morality   
• Vigilante justice 
• Racism     
• Drinking
  
  

 

What are the consequences of violent and physical crime?

There were 45 consequences identified.

• Diagnosis - Crimes committed as a result of a mental Illness after being charged etc a diagnosis could be made resulting in proper treatment as opposed to punishment
• General shock - following a crime in the
  community 
• Parole 
• Jail      2
• Gardaí 
• Judge-Solicitor - Jury 
• Few consequences sometimes
• Reparations - payable to owners
• Sadness in families    2
• More careful 
• Foster care - someone looking for a new family
• More aware - be more aware of the Gardaí 
• Suspended and expelled from school  2
• Caution
• Not being able to get a job after jail 
• Gardaí - watching you closely 
• Jail - they get beat up 
• Low self esteem
• Court 
• Juvenile
•  Confusion 
• Depression       3
• No respect from family
• Poor education
• Become exiled
• Beginning of a mental illness (due to trauma)
• A bad name for the family of the person committing the crime
• If committed by people of a certain gender or age, bad stereotype for that age group or gender
• Punishment
• Suicidal
• Self Harm
• Physical Harm
• Criminal becoming disowned from their families 
• No Home, Poverty or Homelessness
• Leads to more violence
• Cause people not to talk
• Break up of relationship
• Excluded from groups
• Going mental - cracking up
  

 

Prevention of Violent and Physical Crime - what works? Why?

10 suggestions made:

• More Gardaí stop people doing things 
• Posters - thinking about things more
• Community clubs - get the children off the streets
• Cameras - catch the violence
• Speed bumps - slows down cars 
• Newspapers - makes people more aware 
• Bullying - buddy system in schools 
• Bullying - young people are being educated about bullying
• Confidential phone lines 
• Help lines - people trust the person they are talking to  on support help lines

 

What doesn't work to prevent Violent and Physical Crime?

10 measures were suggested.

• Strict sentences cause people to rebel
• Lenient sentences say its ok to commit crime
• Laws don’t work cause they are not for under 18's 
• Cautions - don't mean ok 
• Cautions- they don’t mean what they are saying 
• Not having guns  
• Gardaí – can be too serious with young people 
• Gardaí not strict enough on joyriding 
• Community service - not really punishment
  

 

Suggestions to improve prevention of Violent and Physical Crime:

There were 12 suggestions made.

• Make friends - not messing outside   
• Education about crime - about being nice people – should start at very early age 3 years
• Armbands system will stop drinking - won’t get drunk and start fighting   
• Educate young people on joyriding before they are allowed to drive   
• More Peer education - because it teaches effects of crime 
• Peer Education - change social attitudes   
• Better Role Models     
• Clean needles off streets     
• Make stricter laws or educate young people on  consequences of crime  
• Lowering age of adult responsibility from 18 to 16  
• More Gardaí on street during day - not just night  
• Gardaí should be working with schools so students caught fighting are given a caution not just expelled or suspended

 

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