Who’s Most at Risk? Males 18-50 Drive Increase in Violence Injuries in 2024

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New data from Cardiff University reveals a rise in violence-related injuries treated in emergency departments across England and Wales in 2024. According to the 25th annual report by the National Violence Surveillance Network, approximately 145,271 individuals sought emergency care for injuries sustained in violent incidents—a 2.4% increase from the previous year.

Despite this recent uptick, the long-term trend over the past 25 years shows a significant decline in violence-related hospital treatments. Compared to 2010, there were 53% fewer such cases in 2024, and a 65% reduction since 2001. Professor Jonathan Shepherd, one of the report’s authors, attributes much of this decline to decreased violence among 18 to 30-year-olds, possibly linked to reduced alcohol consumption, fewer nights out, and changing social habits in this age group.

However, Professor Shepherd cautions against complacency, noting that progress can stall or reverse, as seen in the 2024 data. The increase in violence-related injuries primarily involved males, especially those aged 18 to 50. Males were twice as likely as females to require emergency treatment for violence-related injuries.

The report also highlights a sharp decrease in violence-related emergency visits among children aged 0 to 10, dropping by 57% from 2023 to 2024, following a post-pandemic peak and earlier declines during COVID-19 restrictions.

Seasonal and weekly patterns persist, with violence-related injuries peaking on weekends—particularly Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays—and during late spring to mid-summer months, with May showing the highest rates in both 2023 and 2024. The lowest monthly figures were recorded in January and December 2024.

Statistical analysis for 2024 reveals:

A 4% increase in violence-related injuries among males

A 1% decrease among females

A 7% decrease among teenagers aged 11 to 17

A 4% increase among young adults aged 18 to 30

An 11% increase among adults aged 31 to 50

A 2% decrease among those over 50

A 57% decrease among children aged 0 to 10

The report, led by Professor Vaseekaran Sivarajasingam of Cardiff University’s Violence Research Group, is based on data collected from 189 emergency departments, minor injury units, specialist hospitals, and walk-in centres across England and Wales. This extensive surveillance system provides vital insights into the patterns and trends of violence-related injuries, supporting efforts to improve public safety and target violence prevention strategies.