Only one in three Scottish schools are running a programme to tackle gender-based violence, according to a report from the Daily Record. Labour has called on the Scottish Government to do more to ensure women and girls are safe after it was revealed that only a third of schools in Scotland are participating in a flagship programme aimed at combating gender-based violence.
Equalities Secretary Kaukab Stewart confirmed that only 116 out of 361 state-funded secondary schools are registered with the Equally Safe at School programme. This programme is described as a “whole-school approach to preventing gender-based violence” and was initially expected to reach 48% of local authority schools by 2020.
Scottish Labour justice spokeswoman Pauline McNeill emphasised the importance of educating young people, especially boys, about respect and safety to break the cycle of abuse. With domestic abuse crimes on the rise, McNeill stressed the need for all children to receive education on staying safe and interacting responsibly with others.
Labour highlighted the concerning statistics related to gender-based violence, including a 25% increase in domestic abuse crimes and a significant percentage of sexual crimes involving victims under 18 years old. McNeill stressed the importance of tackling misogyny and sexist attitudes early on to cultivate healthy relationships and attitudes among children.
In response to the call for action, a Scottish Government spokesperson stated that violence against women and girls is unacceptable, and efforts are being made to eradicate it. The government has published a framework to prevent gender-based violence in schools and continues to support programmes like Equally Safe at School to address these issues.
In summary, it is evident that there is a pressing need for increased participation in programmes aimed at tackling gender-based violence in Scottish schools. Educating young people about respect, safety, and equality is crucial in creating a safe and inclusive society for all individuals. The Scottish Government’s commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls is a step in the right direction, but more action is needed to ensure widespread awareness and prevention of gender-based violence.