Equation’s targeted projects, Choices and Know More, address the risk of domestic abuse and sexual violence by building self-esteem and confidence. The promotion of healthy relationships is a key part of the sessions, encouraging young people to make informed decisions in their lives. Effective early intervention projects are crucial in preventing negative attitudes hardening into adulthood, and both these targeted initiatives work towards this aim. 

Why are these projects needed in schools? 

• Girl Guiding’s Girls’ Attitudes Survey 2017, found 64% of girl’s aged 13-21 had experienced sexual violence or sexual harassment at school or college in the past year. This included 39% having their bra strap pulled by a boy and 27% having their skirts pulled up within the last week.   
• Over a third (37%) of female students and 6% of male students at mixed-sex schools have personally experienced some form of sexual harassment at school.   
• Almost a quarter (24%) of female students and 4% of male students at mixed-sex schools have been subjected to unwanted physical touching of a sexual nature whilst at school.   
• Girls (14%) were significantly more likely than boys (7%) to report their partner had pressured them to share nude images of themselves in the last year. 
• Girls are significantly more likely to be victimised with unwanted sexual messages and images from their peers online, with 31% of female respondents aged 13-17 years saying they’d experienced this in the last year compared to 11% of male respondents.