Thames Valley Police: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls

KS4-5
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This lesson pack explores how young people can recognise unsafe situations when in public spaces, take care of their peers on nights out, and challenge attitudes which may lead to unsafe decisions. The content has been informed by focus groups made up of young people aged 14-16 and mirrors the broader three pillars of the Thames Valley campaign:

  1. If you are a victim of, or witness an offence, report it.
  2. Be aware of potentially dangerous situations and understand the positive actions you can take to keep you and your friends safe.
  3. If you see a potentially dangerous scenario unfold, recognise when it is safe to intervene. Ultimately, look out for each other in potentially dangerous scenarios.

Women and girls have a right to feel, and be, safe when socialising with friends. And there are opportunities all young people can take to help increase their own personal safety, and that of their peers. This lesson intends to empower young people by exploring these strategies.

  • One key stage 4-5 lesson plan available as a PDF and PowerPoint
  • Accompanying teacher guidance to help you teach this topic safely and effectively
  • Student resources and classroom activities to support the learning

The lesson pack and wider campaign were inspired by the tragic story of 21-year-old student Libby Squire. Libby was raped and murdered in 2019 by a violent male predator after a night out with friends. You can read more about Libby’s story in the accompanying teacher guidance. In line with best practice, the lesson component draws on what can be learned from Libby’s story and the educational aims of the campaign. However, it does not directly teach students about the events surrounding Libby’s death, which could be emotionally distressing for students in the PSHE classroom.