The Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (LVRN) teamed up with Accrington Stanley Community Trust to host an event focused on raising awareness of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and challenging some of the harmful attitudes that young people can grow up with.
Through the Champions programme, we identified that many young people have been exposed to violence at home, sometimes even towards their mums, and may see it as ‘normal’ behaviour or believe it’s their role to step up as the ‘man of the house’. Sadly, these attitudes can spill over into schools, where girls are often left vulnerable to abuse and unsure where to turn for help.
To tackle this, around 30 young people aged 13-16 from across East Lancashire took part in a day of workshops, activities, and discussions. These sessions gave young men the chance to reflect on their behaviour and language choices, while also supporting young women to understand the signs of abuse and know how to get support.
Annie Scott, Programme Manager of the LVRN Champions Programme, said: “We know that harmful behaviours and attitudes towards women and girls often begin at a young age, influenced by what young people see at home or in their communities. This event gave us the chance to challenge those attitudes in a safe and supportive way, equipping young people with the tools to make positive choices. By working together with schools, partners, and the community, I hope we can help break the cycle of abuse and create safer futures for everyone.”
A huge thank you to all partners involved for making the event a success.
