Dear Parent/Carer

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is the most widespread form of abuse worldwide, affecting one third of all women in their lifetime. Violence and abuse in education settings violates women and girls’ human rights and can have a negative impact on their educational experience and long-term outcomes. One of the root causes of VAWG is gender inequality, perpetuated by harmful stereotypes and societal expectations around masculinity.

As a school we have a duty to educate our young people regarding the impact of harmful behaviour on others and raising awareness of what a healthy relationship looks and feels like. We also feel that change can only happen if the home-school partnership is strong.

During November we welcome back Ben Dunks to South Dartmoor to run two awareness sessions for parents and carers. Ben has previously worked with us to raise awareness of violence against women and girls in school. We have invited Ben back to school to speak to our parents and carers about the impact of pornography on young people and their relationships.  

Workshop dates: The sessions will run from 4 - 5pm in the Sixth form centre.

• Years 7-9 - Tuesday 4^th November 
• Years 10-13 - Tuesday 18^th November 

In 2022, Ben published his first book, 'Intimacy, a guide for young men about sex' and as a result of that book Ben now works in Schools and Colleges across Plymouth and Devon to support schools to tackle misogyny and harassment, what he now calls sexual bullying.

Ben is also a proud member of MANCulture Plymouth, a group of guys who have come together to begin to tackle male violence against women and girls.

During last term, Ben ran workshops for year 9 boys and girls separately and covered the following key areas;

• Raise Awareness: Educate students about the various forms of violence women and girls face and how these are often normalised in society.
• Promote Prevention: Equip young people with practical tools and strategies to prevent violence, challenge toxic behaviours, and promote respectful, healthy relationships.
• Empower Participants: Help students, particularly girls, build confidence, self-assertion, and resilience, enabling them to protect themselves and support others in vulnerable situations.
• Encourage Action: Foster a sense of responsibility among all participants, including boys, to be active bystanders and allies in the fight against VAWG.

It is really important that we don't shy away from these difficult and sensitive topics. We must equip all students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to make positive choices both in school and society. It is also important that we offer support and guidance to parents and carers, as these types of conversations can be difficult to navigate with young people.

We look forward to seeing at one of the sessions outlined above. 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

 

Mr D Vile, Assistant Headteacher