MEMBERS of the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee are set to visit Glasgow city centre amid growing concerns over youth violence.
Plans for MSPs to visit St Enoch Square and the 'Four Corners' area of Argyle Street early next year are being hailed as ‘significant progress’ by community campaigner Alex O'Kane.
He has called for tougher deterrents to be put in place in response to ‘Abbie’s Petition’ - which has gained 2,500 signatures.
Alex set it up after schoolgirl Abbie Jarvis was reportedly beaten unconscious in an alleged attack that saw her spend two nights in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
The alleged assault on the 12-year-old is said to have happened in a public park in Drumchapel and was reportedly filmed on mobile phones by a group of bystanders.
Alex, the founder of the ‘No1seems2care’ Facebook page, says he has received dozens of videos, images and first-hand accounts of similar incidents all across Glasgow in recent weeks.
He hailed the visit of the petitions committee as a step in the right direction.
Alex exclusively told the Glasgow Times: "This is significant progress in helping to address worrying levels of youth crime across Glasgow.
“While it’s encouraging the committee is visiting the city centre, I will be writing to ask them to also consider visiting Maryhill and the Southside of Glasgow. Violent attacks are happening in several areas and not solely in the city centre.
“More needs to be done to address the disturbing culture of youth violence and children should feel safe on our streets. Young people need to learn about consequences and deterrents or they will simply become adults who act without fear of punishment.
“I’m pleased the petition remains open and if kids know there will be repercussions for bullying or violent attacks, then they will think twice before lifting their hands.
"There must be better interventions put in place in schools, social care facilities and on the streets to prevent violence from taking place."
During a Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee meeting on October 26, convener Jackson Carlow MSP said: “We’re content to evolve recommendations on where we will visit and will do so possibly just in the early New Year. On that basis, we will hold the petition open.”
Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney told the meeting: “The Scottish Government has set out measures it is taking to try and reduce youth violence in Scotland.
"I do think the committee would benefit from hearing from the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and families who have been directly impacted by youth violence.
"There has been a particular focus of anti-social behaviour in St Enoch Square and the 'Four Corners' area of Glasgow."
We previously told how Angela Jarvis is backing the campaign in her daughter's name to address bullying across Scotland.
She told the Glasgow Times that Abbie still suffers from nightmares and is too scared to go out on her own.
Angela, 43, said: “I hope this petition brings about much-needed change and that something positive can come out of a horrible situation.
“Abbie’s wounds are healing, but the mental impact will take much longer. Her confidence is shattered and I don’t know when she will be able to return to school.
“Something needs to change and tougher measures need to be implemented to tackle bullying. There has to be a perception of consequences to prevent and deter children from carrying out violent acts.
“I hope Abbie’s Petition drives the necessary change. The current system isn’t working and needs to be examined and I’d urge the Scottish Government to do all they can to introduce more effective deterrents.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 13-year-old girl has been arrested and charged following the alleged serious assault of a 12-year-old girl in Southdeen Avenue near Southdeen Park, Drumchapel, Glasgow, on October 4.
"She has been released on an undertaking to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
"A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration for consideration."
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