Help us keep the lights on Support us
The Bristol Cable

We’ve Got Your Boy: Episode 1, Hurt people, hurt people

The perpetrators of serious youth violence are often victims themselves, of failing systems of support that if they worked properly could have prevented needless loss of life. How can we stop it, if we don’t address its root causes?

We've Got Your Boy

In early 2024, three teenage boys were fatally stabbed on Bristol’s streets within 18 days.It was a grim start to the new year – one that thrust the issue of serious youth violence in the city further into the spotlight.

Get our latest stories & essential Bristol news
sent to your inbox every Saturday morning

What followed was a very public response from Bristol’s institutions – the police, the city council – promising they are doing all they can to stop further violence. We followed this response closely: it’s something of a playbook – the crisis response to tragedies.

The perpetrators of serious youth violence are often victims themselves, of failing systems of support that could have prevented needless loss of life. How can we stop it, if we don’t address its root causes?

Cable members get early access to all episodes.

Not a member yet?
Join us and be amongst the first to hear it!

Independent. Investigative. Indispensable.

Investigative journalism strengthens democracy – it’s a necessity, not a luxury.

The Cable is Bristol’s independent, investigative newsroom. Owned and steered by more than 2,600 members, we produce award-winning journalism that digs deep into what’s happening in Bristol.

We are on a mission to become sustainable, and to do that we need more members. Will you help us get there?

Join the Cable today

Keep the Lights On

Investigative journalism strengthens democracy – it’s a necessity, not a luxury.

The Cable is Bristol’s independent, investigative newsroom. Owned and steered by more than 2,600 members, we produce award-winning journalism that digs deep into what’s happening in Bristol.

We are on a mission to become sustainable – will you help us get there?

Join now

What makes us different?

Comments

Report a comment. Comments are moderated according to our Comment Policy.

  • How about a transcript for the “differently abled” for whom listening is painful and, incidentally, could actually read the content in half the time. ¿🤔?
    Not the first time I’ve mentioned this problem; am I an insignificant minority or perhaps just the one who is interested enough to make the effort?

    Reply

Post a comment

Mark if this comment is from the author of the article

By posting a comment you agree to our Comment Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related content

Play, a risky business: A tour of Bristol’s Adventure Playgrounds

The Cable's community organiser explores the history and enduring spirit of the city's Adventure Playgrounds, where children are trusted, challenged and free to play

Giving a shit is just the beginning

Reflections on the film ‘Steve’, the power of youth services and what we can all do for the young people of our city

School exclusion, child imprisonment and a state of punishment

A psychologist, who has worked with children in Bristol’s secure estate and pupil referral units, says the way England treats struggling children makes them believe they’re destined for failure.

‘Collective power is where it’s at’: City Academy workers celebrate strike action successes

Union members at the east Bristol secondary school have achieved most of a series of asks from the academy trust that manages it, after announcing rolling walkouts. Workers say the action has brought staff together.

Police and council defend safeguarding app after calls to stop collecting info on vulnerable young people

A criminal justice campaign group has said use of the database is being kept from parents and guardians, but the council says it has helped protect hundreds of children.

Listen: Bristol Unpacked, with councillor Christine Townsend on taking on the Merchant Venturers over educational inequality

Green councillor and education rights campaigner Christine Townsend on fighting discriminatory school selection practices and the prospect of taking power in Bristol.

Join our newsletter

Get the essential stories you won’t find anywhere else

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter to get our weekly round-up direct to your inbox every Saturday

Join our newsletter

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter

Get our latest stories & essential Bristol news
sent to your inbox every Saturday morning