Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) is a programme led by Education Scotland in partnership with the Violence Reduction Unit, the Scottish Government and local authorities.

The programme focuses on developing a positive and inclusive culture to proactively prevent and challenge all types of bullying and abusive behaviour, working towards long-term attitudinal change. MVP supports the national drivers for Curriculum for Excellence, GIRFEC (Getting it Right for Every Child) and Equally Safe (strategy for taking action on all forms of violence against women and girls).

MVP provides our young people with the skills to recognise the differences between what are acceptable and appropriate behaviours and what are not. The programme facilitates and promotes discussion which is open and honest regarding the stereotypes of femininity/masculinity and how this might affect the young people’s willingness to intervene and interrupt abusive behaviour. It also provides strategies to enable the young people to safely challenge inappropriate behaviours detrimental to their Health and Wellbeing.

The programme is delivered, over several sessions, through exploring scenarios such as Online Abuse, Carrying of Weapons or Sexting-Images. The young people discuss ways of preventing conflict and possible interventions when challenging situations arise.

The aim of MVP is to educate young people on acceptable and appropriate behaviours, to promote happy and safe relationships throughout their lives and to build their confidence to challenge abusive behaviours.