Bolton residents are being urged to have their say on how serious violence should be tackled across the borough.
Bolton Council has launched a public consultation as it prepares its Serious Violence Strategy for 2027 to 2030, with officials keen to hear from people whether or not they have been directly affected by violent crime.
It is working with a number of different agencies, including the police, in drawing up its strategy.
The council says feedback from the survey will help identify local concerns, highlight emerging issues and influence future priorities aimed at preventing and reducing serious violence across the borough.
A Bolton Council spokesperson said: "Serious violence can include physical assaults, knife crime, sexual violence and domestic abuse. While many people will never experience it, we know the impact it can have on individuals, families and communities.
"We're working with partners including Greater Manchester Police, the Probation Service, Public Health and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to update Bolton's Serious Violence Strategy.
"We're already doing a lot to prevent and reduce serious violence across the borough, but your views can help shape what happens next.
"If you're aged 18+, please take a few minutes to complete our survey and help make Bolton a safer place for everyone."
Residents can complete the survey online until December 8, 2026 by visiting the 'consultations and petitions' section of the Bolton Council website.
Serious violence is defined as incidents which cause, or are likely to cause, significant physical, emotional or psychological harm. This can include violence involving weapons, serious assaults, domestic abuse, sexual violence, exploitation and violence linked to criminal activity.
The consultation follows work carried out since the council's previous serious violence survey in 2023.
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During the current strategy period, partners across Bolton have invested in a range of measures designed to prevent violence before it occurs.
These have included mentoring and support for children, young people and families, education and awareness programmes, community outreach projects, diversionary activities, support for victims and survivors, targeted enforcement and environmental improvements.
Three key priorities have been proposed for the 2027-2030 strategy:
- Safer Places and Spaces - focusing on areas and communities where violent incidents occur more frequently.
- Gender-Based Violence - including domestic abuse, stalking and harassment.
- Serious Youth Violence - tackling violence affecting children and young people.
Bolton Council said the consultation is intended to 'gather views and experiences' and cannot be used to report crimes or incidents.
Anyone requiring a paper copy of the survey or support to complete it can contact the council's consultation team on 01204 334875.
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