The Community Impact Project has formally submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Public Health Scotland, demanding a full breakdown of knife-related hospital admissions across the country. This forms part of our wider End Knife Crime & Support The Youth campaign—born out of urgency, grief, and a community’s refusal to stay silent.
While fatal stabbings often dominate headlines, what remains invisible are the countless survivors—young and old—left physically and emotionally scarred by knife attacks. These injuries rarely receive public attention, and yet they are the clearest indicator of a growing epidemic Scotland cannot afford to ignore.
Our FOI request covers the period 2015 through to the most recent data in 2024, asking for:
- Total hospital admissions from assaults involving sharp objects (e.g. knives)
- Breakdown by NHS health board, local authority, age group, gender, and month
This data will shine a light on the scale of the crisis and where it hits hardest. As EKS largest Neighbourhood Watch group by both size and membership we believe it’s time the public was given full transparency across Scotland.
We are also calling on the First Minister of Scotland to use the powers already available under Scottish law to declare knife crime a Public Health Emergency—a move that would mandate a coordinated, multi-agency response.
Too many lives have been lost. Too many families are left grieving. Too many communities are left in fear.
We cannot continue to let this be treated as just a policing matter. We need a public health approach—preventative, local, and rooted in the lived experiences of young people.
This FOI request is only the beginning. Once the data is returned, we will publish the findings, ensuring that no one can say they didn’t know. Knife crime is not just a problem in Glasgow or Edinburgh—it’s affecting towns across Scotland, including our own.
We will continue to lead, speak up, and take action.
Disclaimer: This article refers to a pending Freedom of Information request submitted by The Community Impact Project. All data referenced will be published once formally received from Public Health Scotland.
Contact us by email or social media if you wish to confidentially discuss this article. You can always comment below.
Leave a Reply