Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S6W-09905 · Session 6

Whether it has commissioned a review to address gender-based violence and sexual abuse in educational settings.

Answered Asked by Jamie Greene Con Lodged 19 Jul 2022

The question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has commissioned a review to address gender-based violence and sexual abuse in educational settings.

The answer

Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 4 Aug 2022 · 16 days after it was lodged, on time

We are committed to publishing a national framework for schools on addressing gender based violence. This work is being delivered by the Gender Based Violence in Schools Working Group who will also review existing resources and develop new resources where needed. We have also established the Gender Equality Taskforce in Education and Learning to identify ways in which systemic gender inequality in education can be eradicated. In accordance with the Bute House Agreement, in September 2021 the Gender Based Violence in Schools Working Group and the Harmful Sexual Behaviour Delivery Group met to consider existing work on addressing gender based violence in education settings and identify any gaps in the current approach. The minutes of this meeting can be found here . The Scottish Government have committed to commissioning an independent review following the completion of the work of both groups, which will consider the impact of the work, establish positive practice, and any further areas for improvement. In addition, we are taking forward a range of actions in schools such as teaching our children and young people about safe and healthy relationships through relationships, sexual health and parenthood education; and funding programmes, such as Mentors in Violence Prevention, aimed at reducing and preventing sexual harassment and violence in schools. Further and Higher Institutions are expected to adopt and adapt the Equally Safe in Higher Education Toolkit, assessing their own policies and practices against the Toolkit.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-09905 by reference.