NCB consults young people on violence against women and girls

10 December 2009

NCB can now reveal the results of the much anticipated consultation report, Together we can end violence against women and girls, presenting the views of young people on issues surrounding violence against women and girls including relationships education at school, social attitudes towards violence and sexual bullying.

It reveals that young people are concerned that they are not taught about positive and respectful relationships from an early age and that mainstream media portray negative or violent relationships as acceptable. A number of respondents with learning disabilities reported that they are not expected to form personal relationships and are excluded from healthy relationships education.

The research, commissioned by the Department of Health and led by the Home Office, was conducted through focus groups and an online survey, and assists the Home Office, which has set up a task force on violence against women and girls, in tackling the major problems posed by violence and aggression towards women and girls, and the attitudes that permit violence to take place.

The consultation, which directly sought the views and experiences of young men and women, influenced government's decision to introduce school lessons on positive relationships and violence in relationships. Young people's inputs to the consultation have fed in directly to the task force's strategy to combat violence against women and girls.

A young respondent commented, "We live in a violent society and hardly anyone bats an eyelid when a girl is hit by her boyfriend…Schools should be teaching students and parents because most students learn aggression from their families".

Janine Young, NCB Participation Coordinator, said: "The young people were aware of increasing violence against women and girls and gave some good ideas of how it can be prevented. We're delighted that these views and ideas are being taken on board and that healthy relationships will be discussed in the classroom."

The full report and further information can be found on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/Violence_against_women_and_1.pdf