‘The Mentors in Violence Prevention programme is an effective bystander intervention programme that gives young people the opportunity to take a leadership role in challenging gender based violence and other forms of harmful behaviour.
As part of the Scottish Government’s Equally Safe strategy, it provides opportunities for young people to explore healthy relationships and is an important tool in supporting wellbeing and positive mental health.’
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf
What is Mentors in Violence Prevention?
Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) is a peer mentoring leadership programme for young people. It gives young people the chance to explore and challenge the attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of violence.
It addresses a range of behaviours including name-calling, sexting, controlling behaviour, sexual harassment and consent, and uses a ‘bystander’ approach where individuals are not looked on as potential victims or perpetrators but as empowered and active bystanders with the ability to support and challenge their peers in a safe way. A strong emphasis has been placed on building healthy, respectful relationships both in the school and in the community.
Mentors in Violence Prevention was introduced to Scotland in 2012 and has its origins in America (Katz, J. 1999). By 2020 all local authorities have engaged with the programme with 29 authorities now rolling out the programme in their secondary schools.
