The Government’s new Violence Against Women and Girls strategy marks a clear shift: violence against women and girls is being treated as a national emergency requiring urgent, whole-system action. For those working with children and young people, this signals an immediate responsibility to strengthen prevention, safeguarding, and early intervention. The Violence Against Women and Girls Conference 2026 brings together education professionals and the wider children’s workforce to examine what this strategy means in practice and how early action can help stop harm before it escalates.
Through expert-led sessions, practical discussion, and shared learning, the conference will focus on the real-world challenges practitioners are facing now. Delegates will explore online misogyny and digital sexual harm, healthy relationships and consent, constructively challenging harmful behaviours, supporting victims and survivors, and breaking cycles of intergenerational abuse. Designed for teachers, safeguarding leads, youth workers, health and social care professionals, and others working with children, the conference offers a timely opportunity to align practice with national priorities and play a direct role in preventing violence against women and girls.
“Ending violence against women and girls is the work of us all … It will take all of society to step up and end the epidemic of abuse and violence that shames our country.”
Jess Phillips, Safeguarding Minister
“Every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online and in her relationships. But too often toxic ideas are taking hold early and going unchallenged. This government is stepping in sooner – backing teachers, calling out misogyny, and intervening when warning signs appear – to stop harm before it starts.”
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
“One in eight women in England and Wales in the year ending March 2025 experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.”
Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy
By the end of the conference, you will be able to:
Understand the key aims of the new Government Violence Against Women and Girls strategy and the implications for professionals working with children and young people
Recognise how violence against women and girls manifests in education, youth, and community settings, both online and offline
Identify early indicators of harm, vulnerability, and risk linked to misogyny, unhealthy relationships, and adverse childhood experiences
Apply practical approaches to teaching healthy relationships, consent, and respect in age-appropriate and inclusive ways
Confidently challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes linked to power, control, and gender, using constructive and safeguarding-led responses
Respond safely and effectively to disclosures, ensuring victim-centred, trauma-informed support
Strengthen early intervention strategies to support vulnerable children and help break cycles of intergenerational abuse
Reflect on and enhance your own setting’s policies, culture, and practice to align with national priorities on prevention and safeguarding