Government releases VAWG strategy to better protect children from misogyny and abuse

The UK Government has launched its Violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy focusing on prevention and tackling the root causes of abuse. Over the last year alone, 1 in every 8 women was a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking.

Under the £20 million package, teachers and families will be empowered to address harmful attitudes and behaviours head on, with young people taught to identify positive role models and challenge unhealthy myths about women and relationships.

Teachers will get specialist training on how to talk to pupils about issues like consent and the dangers of sharing intimate images, with experts brought in to pilot new approaches. This will be backed by pioneering research identifying the most effective way of teaching young people these crucial lessons.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said “Having spent years working in a refuge for women experiencing domestic abuse, I know just how much early intervention could have changed lives. We cannot simply respond to harm after it happens; we must give young people the understanding and tools they need before attitudes harden into harm.

Investing in our teachers and ensuring they can respond to the realities children face today is so vital to renewing our communities, and protecting young women.”

Read the full strategy here