‘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.’

Humza Yousaf, when he was Cabinet Secretary for Justice

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 has its origins in America (Katz, J. 1999).  By 2021 all 32 local authorities have engaged with the programme with 30 now actively delivering it in their secondary schools.

If you would like to know more about the MVP programme please get in touch and we would be happy to support or advise you.

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