During the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs from Friday 25 November to Saturday 10 December, Services for Young People (SfYP) is highlighting the ongoing support it provides to young people across Hertfordshire that increases awareness of gender-based violence and promotes action to reduce it.
Gender-based violence (GBV) describes a range of harmful or abusive behaviours perpetrated against someone because of their gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender. Violence against women and girls is one form of GBV. As well as offering support to young women and girls around GBV, SfYP works with all young people in its projects in creative ways to achieve equality and respect for everyone, regardless of their gender.
SfYP has developed a range of youth work programmes to help young people stay safe, which are delivered in their projects across the county. Young people are given accessible information about what gender-based violence is, increasing their awareness of exploitation, antisocial behaviour and crime. Through these projects young people are empowered to recognise and develop healthy relationships and challenge attitudes and stereotypes that can make GBV acceptable in society.
A young person who attended one of these projects said:
"I think the programme has really impacted on my life and has really helped me. It helped me improve my self-esteem, behaviour and relationships with others. I can now manage my emotions better."
SfYP also runs single gender projects in some areas, which focus on building self-esteem, confidence and resilience as young people transition into adulthood, and are of benefit to those who may be at risk of violence. SfYP projects for girls and young women offer a safe space to explore subjects such as body image, healthy relationships, stereotyping and positive role models with their peers. The projects for boys and young men offer them an opportunity to share their experiences, talk about any concerns and set personal goals for the future, all contributing to the fight against GBV.
At SfYP Access Point Projects, young people can get confidential one-to-one advice and support with issues such as health, relationships, personal safety and more. SfYP Advisers and Youth Workers can identify, address and respond to any concerns about GBV, and signpost young people to further support if needed.
Find out more about how SfYP supports young people here: Support for young people
