In Britain today assault is the second most common reason for hospital admission in males between the ages of 15 and 24. Personal violence of this kind has a direct impact on health services: emergency services respond to violent incidents and so direct resources away from other medical procedures and treatments. Health Matters assesses the impact of spending on treating these avoidable injuries.

The programme shows that education and presenting alternatives to a brutish lifestyle appear to be the key to preserving our health services and preventing a cycle of violence.