Mentors in Violence Prevention

Published 13/04/2021.  Last updated 29/02/2024

Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) is a peer education programme providing young people with the language and framework to explore and challenge the attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of abuse. Senior pupils trained and supported by staff, deliver lessons to their younger peers.

The programme ‘scenarios’ explore a range of behaviours including name-calling, sexting, controlling behaviour and sexual harassment, and use a 'bystander' approach where individuals are not considered potential victims or perpetrators, but empowered and active bystanders with the ability to support and challenge their peers in a safe way.  A strong emphasis is placed on building healthy, respectful relationships both in the school and in the community.

The programme has been running in Scotland since 2012, supported by Education Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit. All 32 local authorities are engaged, with 29 actively delivering it in over 130 secondary schools. Evaluations highlight a number of key successes:

  • Senior pupil mentors report an increase in confidence, leadership skills and a knowledge of gender-based violence.
  • MVP can help build relationships between older and younger pupils in the school.
  • The majority of younger pupils felt MVP had helped them to recognise healthy and unhealthy behaviours in a relationship.
  • Following professional learning the majority of staff agreed that their awareness of gender-based violence had increased and that they felt more prepared to intervene in difficult situations involving friends, colleagues and peers.

The professional learning programme is aimed at education staff or partnership organisations supporting schools and communities with programme delivery.

The MVP programme is largely delivered to pupils in mainstream secondary schools. There is an adapted programme for ASN establishments and for delivery in community youth settings.

Professional learning for staff is two full days following which planning time is required. Implementation and delivery occurs over the school year. The programme should be delivered year on year, integrated into school improvement plans and delivered as part of a wider health and wellbeing programme.

For more information on the MVP programme contact:

Lorna Aitken at Lorna.Aitken@educationscotland.gov.scot

Pauline Lynch at Pauline.Lynch@educationscotland.gov.scot
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Mentors in Violence Prevention

Published 13/04/2021.  Last updated 29/02/2024

Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) is a peer education programme providing young people with the language and framework to explore and challenge the attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of abuse. Senior pupils trained and supported by staff, deliver lessons to their younger peers.

The programme ‘scenarios’ explore a range of behaviours including name-calling, sexting, controlling behaviour and sexual harassment, and use a 'bystander' approach where individuals are not considered potential victims or perpetrators, but empowered and active bystanders with the ability to support and challenge their peers in a safe way.  A strong emphasis is placed on building healthy, respectful relationships both in the school and in the community.

The programme has been running in Scotland since 2012, supported by Education Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit. All 32 local authorities are engaged, with 29 actively delivering it in over 130 secondary schools. Evaluations highlight a number of key successes:

  • Senior pupil mentors report an increase in confidence, leadership skills and a knowledge of gender-based violence.
  • MVP can help build relationships between older and younger pupils in the school.
  • The majority of younger pupils felt MVP had helped them to recognise healthy and unhealthy behaviours in a relationship.
  • Following professional learning the majority of staff agreed that their awareness of gender-based violence had increased and that they felt more prepared to intervene in difficult situations involving friends, colleagues and peers.

The professional learning programme is aimed at education staff or partnership organisations supporting schools and communities with programme delivery.

The MVP programme is largely delivered to pupils in mainstream secondary schools. There is an adapted programme for ASN establishments and for delivery in community youth settings.

Professional learning for staff is two full days following which planning time is required. Implementation and delivery occurs over the school year. The programme should be delivered year on year, integrated into school improvement plans and delivered as part of a wider health and wellbeing programme.

For more information on the MVP programme contact:

Lorna Aitken at Lorna.Aitken@educationscotland.gov.scot

Pauline Lynch at Pauline.Lynch@educationscotland.gov.scot
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