‘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.
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.’
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.
It addresses a range of behaviours including 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 Education Scotland took over leadership of the programme in 2015. By 2021 all 32 local authorities had engaged with the programme. Thirteen of these Local Authorities have now implemented MVP in every secondary school. 322 secondary schools have been trained (87% of secondary schools) since MVP came to Scotland. The number of schools delivering in any one year has reached 210.
Below are some videos created to explain the rationale behind the MVP programme:
The MVP model
The key elements of the MVP programme
Understanding Gender-based Violence