All secondary schools in England will soon be required to provide education on healthy relationships as part of a government initiative aimed at addressing misogyny and preventing abuse before it occurs. This new mandate, announced by ministers, forms part of a broader strategy to reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG) by half over the next decade.
As part of the initiative, teachers will receive specialized training to engage students on topics such as consent and respectful relationships. Children exhibiting harmful behaviors towards peers or family members will be enrolled in behavior change programs. Additionally, a dedicated helpline will be established for adolescents concerned about their conduct in relationships.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for young people, stating, “Every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online and in her relationships.” He highlighted the need to confront harmful ideologies early, asserting that the government is committed to “backing teachers” and addressing warning signs proactively.
The government’s strategy includes a significant financial commitment, with plans to allocate £20 million to support these educational measures. Of this amount, £16 million will come directly from government funds, while the remainder is expected to be sourced from philanthropic contributions.
Responses from Advocates and Officials
While the strategy has garnered support, some advocates argue that the measures may not go far enough. Dame Nicole Jacobs, the domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, expressed concerns that the commitments “do not go far enough” to reduce the incidence of abuse. She pointed out that schools are already stretched thin and may lack the resources needed to effectively safeguard child victims of domestic abuse.
Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), welcomed the increased focus on quality relationships and sex education but called for detailed implementation plans to ensure that all children across England have access to this critical education. Simon noted that inconsistent delivery of such education has been an issue in the past, and highlighted the need for mandatory education for older adolescents, a demographic particularly vulnerable to domestic abuse.
In line with these efforts, White Ribbon UK CEO Lynne Elliot praised the government’s focus on prevention. Elliot stated that investing in preventative measures is essential for protecting future generations and emphasized the vital role of parents and educators in this effort.
Future Steps and Implementation Timeline
The government plans to select schools for a pilot training program next year, with the goal of having all secondary schools teach healthy relationship sessions by the end of the current parliamentary term. This initiative follows research commissioned by the Department for Education, which revealed that 70% of secondary school teachers reported their institutions had actively addressed instances of sexual violence and harassment among students.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who has first-hand experience working in a refuge for women facing domestic abuse, stressed the importance of early intervention. She stated, “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.”
In addition to educational reforms, police and social services will receive updated guidance on addressing teenage relationships to combat abuse. The government is also reviewing the legal framework for domestic abuse to better protect younger victims, particularly in light of tragic incidents such as the murder of 15-year-old Holly Newton in January 2023.
Minister for Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the pervasive nature of violence against women and girls. She asserted that the strategy aims to provide robust preventive measures to ensure safety for young people, reinforcing the commitment to eradicate such violence in society.
As the government moves forward with these plans, the effectiveness of the initiative will depend on sustained investment and commitment from all stakeholders involved in education, social services, and community support.
