A dedicated approach to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in schools has been published.
Developed by a working group co-chaired by the Scottish Government, Rape Crisis Scotland and Zero Tolerance, the framework encompasses testimony from young people and staff and sets out how schools can use education, with an emphasis on compassion, to challenge societal views which normalise gender-based violence.
It aims to support schools by:
demonstrating the different ways GBV can affect young people in a school community and highlighting how schools can challenge the underlying gender inequalities which can cause it
providing guidance to support schools’ responses to GBV experienced, or carried out by, children and young people or other members of the school community, including staff
outlining the approach schools should take to recording GBV behaviours and signposting to further support and learning
GBV refers to behaviours ranging from name calling, intimidation and physical violence to sexual harassment and emotional abuse, which can affect anyone, but is more commonly experienced by women and girls.
The Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research report, published last year, highlighted an increase in misogynistic views and language as an emerging concern in schools which the Education Secretary committed to developing a dedicated approach to address, as part of the government’s wider response to challenges with behaviour in schools.
Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:
“I fully support the SNP Scottish Government’s ambition to create cultures in schools whereby all members of the school community know that gender-based violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Prevention and early intervention are key to the approach to address the underlying causes of gender-based violence, particularly gender inequality.
“This framework forms part of our broader action to address the issue of gender equality within education as part of the implementation of our Equally Safe Strategy and broader commitment to eradicate gender-based violence in every part of our society.
“All children and young people have a right to a learning environment where they are protected, cared for, and in which their rights and needs are respected. The vital role of schools to help create this culture can help us to end of gender-based violence and misogyny once and for all.”