Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global issue that impacts women across the world. Within different communities abuse can take different forms. It’s important that schools avoid making assumptions and understand the cultural context within which they are based. Schools should resist ‘othering’ by assuming that GBV only happens in certain communities – this is not the case.
Outreach and link-building
Building links with partners within the local community will enhance the effectiveness of a Whole School Approach (WSA) and make it more sustainable. Young people are influenced by environments and people outside of home and school. A school or college has the potential to be a focal point of change within the community they are based. It is worth identifying voluntary and statutory organisations, community leaders and groups who can support the programme and reinforce its messaging.
You can read more about contextual safeguarding here.
Youth centres
Prevention work should not only happen in formal educational settings. Youth clubs and other groups provide an opportunity for young people to engage with these issues and build relationships outside of school and college. For young people who find school challenging there is a lot to be gained from these informal environments. The resources provided within the toolkit are equally applicable to youth work within the community.