Description
A report exploring the lived experiences of young women and girls who have experienced violence in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire A collaboration between Equation and Nottinghamshire Violence Reduction Unit.
Equation and Nottingham Youth Justice Service have been working together on a research project looking at girls and young women’s experiences of violence, unhealthy relationships, exploitation and domestic or sexual abuse.
Speaking to girls and young women aged 10 – 25, living in Nottingham, the research found that issues such as sexual harassment, pressure from partners, and online sexual abuse, are far more common than most of us think and the help, when it is sought, can often be lacking.
“90% of girls said that they are sent pictures ‘a lot’ or ‘sometimes’ and 92% of girls said sexist name calling happens frequently.
The report builds on and talks about other national studies which have also found that not feeling able to talk about experiences, lack of relationship education, feeling that what’s happening is ‘normal’ and beliefs about what’s ‘ok’, adds to a growing picture that there is a lot of opportunity for change.
“He tried to strangle me because I didn’t want to kiss him. I don’t know, because I was just so young. He’d apologise and say I’m sorry, whatever. I was naïve I guess, I just forgave him”.
The findings will be used to make services better for girls and young women, improving guidance and teaching and ultimately, making them safer.
