Role of relationship education in preventing violence against women and girls

Motion Text

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.