Skip to content

Which children are most affected by violence?

An overview of which groups of children are most affected by violence, based on a survey of nearly 11,000 teenage children in England and Wales. Use this data to support strategic planning to ensure the most vulnerable groups of children get the support they need.

How to use the Which Children resource

Practical guidance on how local violence prevention leaders can use the data to inform commissioning, strengthen pathways and design support.

Using the Which Children resource responsibly

How to interpret the data, understand its limitations, and use it alongside local knowledge and other evidence.

How did we make the Which Children resource?

Take a look at an overview of the methods.

Showing 28 of 28

Been in a ‘gang’

54% 50% 39% 2%

Criminally exploited

51% 48% 51% 3%

Carried a weapon

44% 40% 28% 2%

Used physical or sexual violence in relationship

40% 41% 27% 2%

Excluded from school

38% 36% 17% 1%

Arrested

38% 35% 34% 3%

Victim of serious violence

37% 100% 58% 5%

Conduct disorder

35% 39% 28% 3%

Substance use disorder

31% 33% 27% 3%

Friends carry weapons

27% 28% 41% 5%

Language difficulties or disorder

27% 28% 29% 3%

Victim of physical or sexual violence in relationship

23% 30% 31% 4%

Used any drugs

22% 24% 61% 9%

Friends in a ‘gang’

23% 25% 39% 6%

Witnessed physical abuse at home

21% 24% 68% 11%

Parent/sibling been to prison

18% 22% 61% 11%

Suspended from school

18% 23% 46% 8%

Used emotional abuse in relationship

17% 20% 39% 8%

Experienced physical abuse at home

15% 18% 68% 15%

Depression or mood disorder

15% 24% 30% 6%

Gone missing overnight

15% 20% 53% 11%

Supported by a social worker

11% 16% 57% 16%

Victim of emotional abuse in relationship

12% 17% 38% 10%

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

12% 19% 29% 8%

Autism spectrum disorder

12% 16% 31% 8%

Anxiety disorder

11% 17% 31% 9%

Supported for special educational needs

8% 11% 60% 26%

Persistently absent from school

6% 9% 54% 30%