• New report explores drivers of violence between girls in Scotland

  Created: 5/1/2024
  
  

  

  The Lassies are No Feart report aims to increase our understanding of young women in Scotland experiences and involvement in violence, in order to better support them to reach their full potential.

  A new report exploring the causes and impact of violence between girls and young women in Scotland has been released, suggesting young women face a lack of adequate support to resolve conflicts and that social media can play a key role in perpetuating violence.

  The Lassies Are No Feart report details findings from small-scale qualitative research with young women and practitioners in Scotland about violence between girls. The research was conducted by No Knives Better Lives (NKBL), one of YouthLink Scotland’s national programmes, between May and December 2023.

  The research focussed on key areas of girls’ lives that can contribute to violence, including family life, relationships, community and social media in a bid to determine what the perceptions of and influences on violence are for young women in Scotland.

  Amongst the key findings was that many young women felt that family influence, especially from mothers, often supported and contributed to girls’ involvement in violence. Young women also found it difficult to have their voices around violence taken seriously, with adults not providing adequate support until issues had escalated beyond their control when it came to resolving conflicts. Other key findings include:

  • Friends are expected to stand up for each other, including involvement in physical violence
  • Misogyny was a common everyday experience for young women, from peers and adults
  • Young women were both ‘viewers’ and ‘producers’ of harmful content online
  • Daily exposure to violent content online led to desensitisation
  • Young women had little hope for a brighter future

  The report adds a gendered lens to youth violence prevention, ensuring that strategies and programmes can better support girls and young women can reach their full potential. It is a call to action for everyone working with young women to take seriously the issues they are facing.

  Alongside the full report, NKBL has also created a range of resources and training materials to complement the research.

  • Young Person’s Report
  • E-learning module
  • Peer education module

  Find out more and access all Lassies are No Feart resources here

  
  

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