A key element of a public health approach is the skilled use and interpretation of data, to develop a comprehensive evidence base of the local picture of serious violence, to ensure an effective response. In practice this means that the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) recognises the need to gather evidence, intelligence, and analysis to understand the local picture of serious violence, target resources effectively and efficiently, and monitor the impact of the local response.

Key outcomes of this approach are:

• Through the Strategic Needs Assessment the VRP will have a deeper, on-going understanding of the nature of serious violence and the people and locations impacted, to focus the response to serious violence on priority people and locations.
• The Response Strategy will be evidenced-based, including evidence of the impact of current activities and ‘What Works’ to prevent and reduce serious violence.
• The interventions will be commissioned according to the findings of the SNA providing a tailored response to the issues identified.

The VRP aspires to create an environment in which access to data requires less resources and is more streamlined. Through the Data & Analysis Working Group there is a focus on facilitating data sharing between all specified authorities across Hampshire, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight. This co-ordinated approach will ensure efficient and effective data and information sharing. The VRP is committed to finding innovative solutions to data sharing and has begun an implementation programme for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Together, a data sharing platform which will overlay police and partnership data.