Knife Crime and Child safety: Immigrant Communities urged to take action

Knife crime remains a growing threat in the UK, with young people from immigrant backgrounds increasingly at risk due to parental unawareness and lack of preparedness for the challenges their children face.

In the year ending March 2024, there were approximately 50,500 offences involving a sharp instrument in England and Wales.

At a recent safeguarding event in Sunderland, community leaders, a social worker, and victims called for stronger parental involvement and support networks to prevent youth from falling into crime, gang culture, or emotional isolation.

Speakers stressed the urgent need for education, open dialogue, and community engagement to bridge the cultural gap that leaves many immigrant parents unaware of their children’s realities.

The lack of understanding between parents and their children’s experiences in the UK was highlighted as a key factor contributing to emotional distress and a sense of disconnection among young people.

Media entrepreneur Demola Okeowo  said: "I decided to create awareness on knife crime because it is the reality that families are living with every single day. As a community, we can no longer afford to ignore the dangerous forces shaping our children’s lives."

 Demola Okeowo- Media entrepreneur.

He stressed the urgency of tackling knife crime, describing it as a national crisis that demands immediate attention.

The media entreprenur said the event was part of his ongoing efforts to raise awareness and rally communities to support one another in protecting young people from violence. Demola also referenced his documentary on knife crime, where he interviewed victims, and grieving families.

"It is one thing to read about these crimes, but hearing about people's perspectives and experiences make you realise the urgency of this fight," he added, vowing to continue his advocacy.

"Many families who do not belong to a community lack the support networks that could help them navigate challenges. You could save yourself years of tears by learning from people who have walked in those shoes.”

Mr. Okeowo said parents must stay informed, remain engaged, and take proactive steps to safeguard their children.

He also pointed out that many immigrant parents, preoccupied with work and survival, often fail to recognise the risks their children face daily.

Folasade Fasoyiro, Early Help Family Worker and founder of the Sunderland- Nigerian Family Group , emphasised on the difficulties immigrant parents encounter when adjusting to the UK's parenting landscape.

Folasade Fasoyiro, Early Help Family Worker and Founder of the Sunderland- Nigerian Family Group.

“Many parents raise their children based on the values and expectations from their home countries, unaware that their children are living in a completely different reality,” she explained.

“If we do not make the effort to understand their struggles, we risk losing them to violence, crime, or bad influences.”

She urged parents to attend more events like this, saying, “It is in these spaces that we expose the reality of personal traumas in our community and find ways to support each other.”

"You need to be alive to get help"

The most sobering moment of the event came when Sunday Adigun, a knife crime survivor, shared his personal experience.

 Sunday Adigun- knife crime survivor

“I never thought it could happen to me,” he said, recalling the moment he was attacked.

I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and suddenly, my life changed forever. The most important thing is safety. If you find yourself in danger, run. You need to be alive to get the support you need.”

Mr. Adigun urged parents to have open conversations with their children, warning, “Knife crime is real. Be sensitive to your environment, teach your kids to be aware, and never assume it won’t happen to them.”

Syeda Shilpe Sally (pictured left) Kelechi Ejelonu-Victor (middle), Victor Ejelonu (pictured right.)

An attendee, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared an account of losing her 17-year-old cousin to a stabbing last year. She described the impact on her family, saying, “No one prepares you for the knock on the door, for the moment you realise they’re never coming home. We always think these things happen to other people, until it happens to us.” 

She said her cousin had been walking home from school when she was caught in a senseless altercation, a tragic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The grieving relative spoke of the sleepless nights, the unbearable silence at family gatherings, and the endless “what ifs” that haunt her thoughts.

“Every birthday, every holiday, there’s an empty chair. My sister hasn’t been the same since—it’s like a part of her died that day too,” she said.

She urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s whereabouts and friendships, emphasising that ignorance can be deadly.

A group photograph of few participants.

“There is no shame in walking away. Your pride is not worth your life. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and leave. No argument, no reputation, no street code is worth the pain of your mother crying over your grave.” 

According to the House of Commons Library, in the year ending March 2024, there were approximately 50,500 offences involving a sharp instrument in England and Wales (excluding Greater Manchester), marking a 4.4% increase from the previous year.

The number of young victims has surged, with many attacks going unreported due to fear of retaliation or lack of trust in law enforcement.

Experts warn that without urgent intervention, the situation will continue to worsen.