West Lothian is leading the way with a new project in schools aimed at addressing the root causes of domestic abuse and gender-based violence in society. The project involves senior high school students acting as mentors to younger students, promoting mutual respect as the foundation of relationships. By challenging traditional stereotypes and behaviors, the mentoring project is also addressing the growing issue of misogyny that young men are exposed to on social media.
The Mentoring in Violence Prevention (MVP) scheme has been running for two years and has already shown positive results in schools. Many students have reported a shift away from a “bystander” mentality, with more willingness to engage with peers and staff to prevent fights and violence in the classroom. The program has been implemented in almost all high schools in West Lothian, making it one of the few local authorities in Scotland to do so.
MVP is a peer education program developed by Police Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit and Education Scotland. It aims to educate students on key issues related to gender-based violence, such as healthy relationships, consent, gender equality, and negative stereotypes. By empowering young people with knowledge and skills, the program encourages them to make positive decisions, challenge harmful beliefs, and intervene in potentially harmful situations.
Senior students undergo comprehensive training to deliver MVP lessons to younger students, addressing specific issues based on the school’s needs. Mentors also serve as a trusted resource for younger students to discuss sensitive topics they may not feel comfortable discussing with adults. The goal is to create a generation of young people who value respect in relationships, ultimately leading to a decrease in domestic abuse incidents.
The program has seen an increase in trained staff and mentors across secondary schools, with a rise in the number of lessons delivered to students. While some schools are still in the process of training senior mentors, the overall impact of the program has been positive in promoting respect, improving behavior, attendance, and academic performance in schools.
Council members have praised the program for its effectiveness in empowering students to take ownership of their actions and prevent conflicts. The increase in students coming forward to report incidents and the overall positive impact on school culture are seen as encouraging signs of progress. Moving forward, there is optimism about the continued success of the program in creating a more respectful and supportive environment for students.
Overall, the MVP program in West Lothian schools is making a significant difference in addressing domestic abuse and gender-based violence by promoting respect, healthy relationships, and positive decision-making among students. The dedication and commitment of the young people involved in the program are key to its success, and the continued support and expansion of the initiative are crucial in creating a safer and more inclusive school community.