Bradley O’Donoghue is the Youth Engagement Coordinator at Tender, where he focuses on developing sustainable models of youth engagement and co-producing nationwide campaigns with young people. He also develops and delivers interactive arts-programs that tackle sexual violence in sixth forms and universities, alongside volunteering on an LGBTQ+ helpline.

With young people aged 16-25 being the age demographic most likely to experience domestic abuse and sexual violence, it’s no surprise that educating the next generation should be a high priority on everyone’s to-do list.

Statistically, women and girls are at a greater risk of experiencing abuse, with 2 women a week being killed by a partner or ex-partner in England and Wales. Whilst incredible organisations such as Women’s Aid, Refuge and Galop are there to support victims, the responsibility to end gender-based violence falls on us all. Although we need a multi-layered approach to ending these horrific acts, I believe that engaging young people is instrumental in how we shift cultural attitudes towards gender equality and how we create sustainable change.

To add some personal context, I first started campaigning for an end to domestic abuse and sexual violence at the age of 18, when I began volunteering as a youth board member for Tender. Tender is an education and arts charity that deliver interactive drama-based workshops to young people to promote conversations around relationships and to develop the vocabulary needed to identify early warning signs of abuse and to seek support. By attending monthly meetings and receiving opportunities to elevate my knowledge and skills, my understanding of abuse and sexual violence, specifically regarding the experiences of women and LGBTQ+ people, had completely changed. Contrary to what some may believe, domestic abuse and sexual violence isn’t perpetrated impulsively or out of ignorance; abuse and violence is enacted in order to establish and sustain an imbalance of power by one person over another.

When looking at abuse and violence as a fundamental way of maintaining power, it is not a surprise to then learn that minorities (or socio-cultural groups/identities who experience higher rates of discrimination) are at greater risk of being victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Therefore, in order to end violence against women and girls, we need to promote conversations and actions that proactively challenge discrimination and inequality. Changing the attitudes of those who have been engrained with patriarchal ideologies can be difficult, but not impossible. However, there is an incredible opportunity to shape the attitudes of the next generation and embody the messages of equality, inclusion and empathy. For those who are reading and rhetorically asking themselves how we do that, read on for some painfully obvious, but often ignored, tips!

• Listen to the voices and experiences of young people - Despite young people being demonised as ‘snowflakes’, a lot of young people are incredibly insightful on topics regarding inclusion, accessibility, understanding and empathy. By actively listening and validating those experiences, organisations can learn how to address issues early-on and gain a deeper insight into how technology and the internet has impacted the social landscape. For those who may not have as progressive views, it enables us to identify early signs of prejudice which can be questioned and therefore challenged.

• Provide opportunities for learning and growth – Whether you run a youth board or simply have a young member of staff at your workplace, providing an opportunity for someone to learn about social issues will do nothing but foster a culture that attempts to be informed and socially-aware. Going to a White Ribbon conference or a Tender training? Eh, why not bring the new intern! Tackling issues in a united front, one that bridges the gap between young people and senior management, is a powerful message.

• Effective engagement is about sustainability, not tokenism – Whilst attending a singular conference or training can be great, we need to ensure that what we learn is echoed through our everyday actions and the way we communicate. Think about providing opportunities over a longer period of time which enhances a young person’s knowledge and skills. Investing in the growth and development can improve retention. Got an equality and diversity committee? Well, provide a space for a young person.

• Review how accessible and inclusive opportunities are – When providing opportunities, factor in how accessible and inclusive those opportunities are and whether they hold a purpose. Inclusion and engagement is not simply providing a space at the table, but adapting the set-up of that space to ensure everyone feels welcome, validated and listened to.

• If at first you don’t succeed, try again – Tried to engage young people in an idea and it didn’t work? Well, try again…but in a different way. Referring to the previous tip, sometimes efforts to do something progressive doesn’t always equate to success, but that doesn’t make it any less important. 

Although it may seem difficult to tackle an issue such as violence and abuse, the small acts of an individual can have a monumental impact. It has always been my belief that when tackling an issue that affects young people, you should provide space for young people to direct the work that you do. Listening to those voices can be incredibly validating and, when given opportunities to nourish skills, we can have a profound effect on how they shape their future.

Learn about the White Ribbon Youth Advocate Programme>>

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