New boxing project by police to help Fife youngsters at centre of domestic abuse

Boxing could be one way of helping youngsters

Officers pilot ‘Punch Beyond’ to try to make a positive change

Police in Fife are piloting a new boxing initiative aimed at young people who have witnessed, or been the victim of, domestic abuse and who are on the verge of becoming involved in antisocial or offending behaviour.

'Punch Beyond', encourages young people to focus on positive and controlled fighting and includes educational inputs, along with the physical benefits of sport.

This initiative at Inverkeithing High School could be be rolled out Fife wide, and it hopes to start up properly once COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

Officers have met with the west Fife school to develop the scheme further, and worked on engaging young people who find themselves involved in domestic violence.

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At a South and West Fife area committee yesterday, Inspector Stevie Kay said police are trying to ensure young people involved in the project come from a variety of backgrounds.

He said: "We're making sure we are not picking obvious choices. Some are doing really well at school, some not so well. “

Cllr Sharon Green-Wilson suggested that organisations such Women's Aid could be involved with the scheme to help with referrals.

> Hannah Brown is the Local Democracy Reporter for Fife & Angus

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