MVP MENTORING IN VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Service Description

Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) is a peer mentoring programme that gives young people the chance to explore and challenge the attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin all forms of gender-based violence in our society. Exploring violence through a gendered lens, young people are aware of biases that exist within society and develop leadership skills in order for them to employ ‘active bystander’ theory. Young people explore the scope of violence and are motivated in challenging victim blaming. The programme addresses a range of behaviours including physical violence, name-calling, sexting, coercive and controlling behaviour and harassment. Individuals are not looked on as potential victims or perpetrators but as empowered onlookers with the ability to support and challenge their peers whilst keeping themselves safe. Why is MVP needed? There is an enduring and increasing problem of gender-based violence in British society. There is additional evidence that young people - particularly girls - encounter physical, emotional, and sexual violence. The Mentors in Violence Prevention programme has been introduced in schools in response to these issues. What does it aim to do? The MVP programme supports young people to positively influence the attitudes and behaviour of their peers to tackle the issue of gender-based violence. What is the impact? • Staff report an increase in pupils who are ready to alert them to safety concerns, from a fight brewing, or a friend self-harming, to someone carrying a sharp object into school. This increased communication allows staff to be proactive and to put support in place as necessary. • Pupils and staff have related examples of pupils intervening on the school bus or in the community when they have witnessed violence or bullying. Pupils report that they are now aware of a variety of ways that they can intervene when witnessing behaviours that are detrimental to wellbeing. • Both pupils and staff refer to an improved ethos within school and a reduction of barriers between older and younger pupils. Mentors and staff identify a positive impact on mentors’ confidence and the enhancement of a range of skills such as team-work and presentation skills. Staff suggested that leadership was a key quality developed by involvement in the programme. • Following staff training in MVP, there is a significant increase in the number of staff who feel that they have the necessary skills to educate others about gender-base

Contact Details