PSHE Association supports new measures to prevent violence against women and girls

08 March 2010

Today, on International Women’s Day, the DCSF published the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Advisory Group report and the government’s response accepting the group’s recommendations in full.

These include plans to include VAWG issues in the PSHE education curriculum from 2011.  This will involve enhancing the key concept of relationships to make explicit the expectation that an exploration of this concept includes dealing with and rejecting violent relationships.

Other actions include:
–    all schools receiving guidance to help prevent and respond to violence against women and girls
–    training for new teachers will be revised to include VAWG issues 
–    teachers being given clear advice on how to deal with suspected cases of violence against women and girls in their schools and referring young girls at risk to support services
–    all parents and carers having access to support and advice to help them discuss violence against women and girls with their children, and to signpost parents of girls experiencing violence to further advice and support.

Children’s Minister Delyth Morgan said:
 “Violence against women and girls has a devastating impact and we are committed to doing all we can to increase protection, raise awareness and punish offenders. 
“Teachers are uniquely placed to spot the early signs that a young girl could be suffering from violence. We are determined to improve the training, guidance and support they receive so that schools can lead the way in putting an end to violence against women and girls. ‘

Jan Campbell, PSHE Association Chair of Trustees, a member of the VAWG Advisory Group said:
‘With one in three teenagers experiencing violent partner relationships it is essential that we do all we can to prevent it. This involves challenging stereotypes with boys as well as supporting girls.’  

The PSHE Association has been keeping you up to date on this important issue. Read past briefings on:

Review into sexualisation of young people published  (February 2010)

PSHE Association Briefing on review of sexualisation of young people

Advertising campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence in teenage relationships (February 2010)

Briefing on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) – Home Office strategy (December 2009)

Briefing on “Together we can end violence against women and girls” (June 2009)
 
 
We also have a lesson plan and teachers guidance which can support work in this area at Key Stage 3 & 4, available as download from the members resource section
Resources area