Thinktank urges schools in England, Wales to teach relationship violence prevention

A thinktank is urging schools in England and Wales to appoint relationship violence prevention leaders, similar to mental health coordinators, to better address complex issues surrounding relationship abuse, The Guardian reported.

The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), supported by the Home Office, recommends introducing “relationship violence prevention lessons” for young teenagers, focusing on emotional, physical, and sexual violence, psychological abuse, stalking, and harassment.

Despite statutory guidance on relationships, sex, and health education (RSHE) since 2020, many pupils still lack education on recognizing healthy versus unhealthy relationships and how to exit damaging ones. YEF chief executive Jon Yates highlighted that many teachers feel unprepared to deliver this content, with nearly a third reporting no training and over a quarter lacking confidence in teaching how to leave unhealthy relationships.

Lucy Emmerson, CEO of the Sex Education Forum emphasized the need for teachers to be confident and skilled in facilitating open discussions, helping young people develop emotional understanding, empathy, and respectful behavior—essential skills for healthy relationships.