Girls and young women in alternative provisions and youth settings are the most at-risk group we work with. They are in the age group most likely to experience an abusive relationship (16-19 years old, ONS, 2023) and have multiple and complex needs (81% have special educational needs, CfSJ, 2020). Additionally, they have often had negative experiences in mainstream schools which has left them disengaged from education and distrusting of peers and figures of authority.

We will empower up to 50 girls and young women in single gender alternative provisions and youth settings to prevent abuse by delivering a 6-week project which will support them to recognise the early warning signs of abuse, feel confident to seek support if they encounter it and build healthy relationships. We will also train up to 50 staff at these settings in domestic abuse awareness and how it can manifest in young people’s lives to create an abuse-informed support network.