EDM: Role of relationship education in preventing violence against women and girls

Role of relationship education in preventing violence against women and girls

Tabled by Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat) 44 signatures

The motion

That this House recognises the critical role of comprehensive, age-appropriate relationship education in preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG); notes with concern that many young people are growing up in environments where harmful and misogynistic messages are prevalent both online and offline; acknowledges that without early, preventative education focusing on respect, consent, boundaries, and recognising coercive behaviour, efforts to combat VAWG address symptoms rather than root causes; highlights that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, with those aged 16–19 being most at risk; further notes that despite increasing political attention, sexual assault rates among women have risen in recent years; believes that embedding relationship education in schools is vital to challenge harmful norms and promote healthy relationships; and calls on the Government to incentivise schools to extend Relationships, Sex and Health Education lessons to include 16-18 year-olds and invest in training for school staff to better understand the online spaces that young people navigate today.

Signatories (44)