One knife, one life

Every year, millions of people around the world celebrate National Knife Day on the 24th of August. The ‘knife’ is celebrated because of how widespread their uses are in culinary skills and survival. It's important to note that we have no recollection of the origin or history of Knife Day but it is used to show gratitude to the one tool which can make life a lot easier. Knives are sometimes referred to as humankind’s first-ever tool. Knives can come under many different categories though, such as utensils, tools and most commonly nowadays-weapons. 

Knife crime, fights and violence have never been more prevalent than they are in society today. In England and Wales alone, there has been an increase by 22% and in 2017, recorded data showed that 40,000 offences involving knives or sharp weapons, was the highest level of knife crime the UK has seen in 7 years. 

I know you have probably been told stories and facts about knife crime before, maybe in school or university but I don't think it is talked about ENOUGH. If it was, there wouldn't be such a high increase in knife crime every year that passes. When I was in Year 11 at Secondary School, a police officer came in and gave a two-hour assembly about knives and their dangers, going through what could happen if you're around people who carry knives, or if you're one of those people who does already carry one. The number of people who I heard say things like “this is so rubbish”, “we don't need to know this stuff”, etc, have since then got into trouble with the law and I think that just shows that you shouldn't be too gullible or naive about serious topics like this one. 

I'm going to insert some things to know about knives and the law around them, following these could have a better impact on the community around you and will allow you to not get into trouble. 

• If you carry a knife, it can carry a prison sentence up to 5 years even if it's not used.
• Knife crime can affect anyone, not just gang members. Bystanders can get caught in the crossfire and might suffer major or minor traumas. 
• Even if you don't stab someone but you are in the presence of someone else who has, you could be sent to prison for murder or attempted murder in a “joint enterprise”. 
• By carrying a knife, you are more likely to get stabbed yourself as situations can quickly spiral out of control when there are weapons involved. 
• Knives are the most common weapons nowadays that are used to kill young people. 
• Police can at any time stop and search somebody if they think they are in possession of a knife. 
• Finally, the legal definition of a weapon includes anything intended to cause harm to another person. It is also illegal to carry a ‘disguised’ knife which is anything with a concealed blade or sharp point that's made to look like an everyday object such as a pen or lipstick. 

Many young people don't seem to grasp the consequences that come along with a weapon like a knife and if you use it to harm someone. They don't think of their loved ones, such as parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, none of them wants to find out their family member is either dead or getting sent to prison. If you EVER pull a knife on someone, they can easily find out where you live and could come after your family members-not just you, then that would be all because of you doing something stupid. Also, if you are a young person, please remember that if you do ever get convicted to prison, sentences that last over 30 months stay on your record for LIFE. It will make it near impossible to get a good job or get into college/university. You will also not be allowed to work with children, other young people or the elderly. 

From my perspective, a 19-year-old girl who's going into her second year of University studying Psychology with a clean criminal record- carrying a knife or using one just ISN’T WORTH YOUR TIME OR ANYONE ELSE’S. A life without a criminal record and no guilt hanging over you is so much better. You have far more opportunities and happiness surrounding you than constantly being in a state of fear or paranoia.

Millions of people on the 24th August will be celebrating knives with thoughts mainly surrounding culinary skills but please also take time the time to remember all of the lives that have been lost year after year through one of the deadliest weapons to be around. One Knifecan take away One Life. 

Help and support is everywhere and can be found in your local community centres, police stations and hospitals and can be accessed easily online too if you're worried about knife crime or anything else in general. 

Childline - 0800 11 11 11 

Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87 

A website named ‘No Knives, Better Lives’ has a section on real-life stories where people go into detail about their experiences being involved in knife crime. If you're interested and want to know more, I would certainly check out their website. 

​www.noknivesbetterlives.com 

All the love, 
Chloe x