Health visitors
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
reduces crime
Evidence quality
moderate
Cost
low
What the evidence says
The Health Visitors intervention involves targeted home visits by trained professionals to parents with children aged two and under. Evidence shows that this intervention has resulted in an overall reduction in crime, particularly in relation to child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. Reviews indicate that while the evidence is moderately reliable, the effectiveness appears to depend on the socioeconomic status of the households and the professionals conducting the visits.
How it works
Home visits by health visitors aim to enhance parental confidence and skills, improve child development, and reduce instances of violence and neglect in the household. The visits provide support, resources, and information about child care and health.
Implementation
In the UK, home visits are universally offered, while in the USA, they are often targeted at at-risk groups such as low-income families or those experiencing domestic violence. Successful implementation can be hindered by challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified professionals.
Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit (What Works Centre for Crime Reduction). Summarised 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing.