Moray schools leading the way in tackling gender-based violence

An update presented to the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee today (Tuesday 16 September), shows that Moray schools are making progress in all seven areas outlined by the Scottish Government. 

Key progress in Moray includes: 

• All eight secondary schools are now part of the Equally Safe at School (ESAS) programme. Elgin Academy was one of the first to take part. 

• Staff training is well underway, with ESAS now part of standard child protection training. A trial programme will also start in primary schools in 2025/26. 

• Schools are now tracking gender-based violence incidents more consistently to improve understanding. 

• All staff have had trauma-informed training, now part of the induction for new staff. 

• The Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) curriculum will be reviewed to make sure gender-based violence is covered in lessons by the end of 2025. 

• Schools are focusing on online risks like sextortion and harmful online spaces. A new three-hour staff training will be delivered this school year. 

• In partnership with Police Scotland, in-school sessions have been delivered in primary and secondary schools across Moray. 

• The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme is running in all secondary schools, with 360 pupils trained to lead sessions, campaigns, and peer support. 

Chair of the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “Education in Moray has gone beyond national targets, showing a strong commitment to pupil safety, equality, and healthy, respectful relationships. Staff and pupils are working together to challenge harmful behaviours, and every secondary school is now part of Equally Safe at School. Our teams should be proud of their efforts. But we know there’s still more to do as we commit firmly to ending violence against women and girls.”