London Mayor Sadiq Khan: Untreated Mental Health a Major Cause of Violent Crimes, Warns of Complex Causes and Necessity for Early Intervention
London Mayor Sadiq Khan believes that untreated mental health issues are a major cause of violent crimes, and that poverty, alienation, and inadequate mental health care are key factors that need to be addressed to prevent such incidents.
Khan's comments come after a sword attack in east London left a 14-year-old boy dead and several others injured, including two police officers.
Khan stated that many individuals who have committed violent crimes while struggling with mental health issues have not received proper treatment due to budget cuts to support services, leaving NHS mental health provision in a critical state.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan commended police officers for putting public safety first, even when facing an armed suspect.
The suspect is being investigated for potential mental health issues, and Khan emphasized the need to address the complex causes of crime, including mental ill-health, poverty, and lack of opportunities.
He urged for proper medical treatment for young people instead of waiting for crises to occur.
Homicide rates in England and Wales have decreased since 2008, but the proportion of homicides related to mental ill-health has risen.
For instance, in a case from Nottingham last year, Valdo Calocane, who had paranoid schizophrenia, was given an indefinite hospital order for manslaughter by diminished responsibility after stabbing Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar to death.
Khan stated that many individuals who have committed violent crimes while struggling with mental health issues have not received proper treatment due to budget cuts to support services, leaving NHS mental health provision in a critical state.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan commended police officers for putting public safety first, even when facing an armed suspect.
The suspect is being investigated for potential mental health issues, and Khan emphasized the need to address the complex causes of crime, including mental ill-health, poverty, and lack of opportunities.
He urged for proper medical treatment for young people instead of waiting for crises to occur.
Homicide rates in England and Wales have decreased since 2008, but the proportion of homicides related to mental ill-health has risen.
For instance, in a case from Nottingham last year, Valdo Calocane, who had paranoid schizophrenia, was given an indefinite hospital order for manslaughter by diminished responsibility after stabbing Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar to death.
