OVER 300 professionals from the West Midlands have received specialist training to reduce male violence against women and girls.
West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership facilitated the training which saw the professionals working with young men and boys and learn how to have difficult conversations and identify signs of harmful behaviour.
The training also looked at methods to help young men unlearn some of the unhealthy labels that are attached to being a man.
Some themes the training explored included mental health, radicalisation, substance misuse, bullying, and how to approach these topics sensitively in order to have the best impact.
Police and crime commissioner Simon Foster, said: “Our boys and young men need safe spaces and trusted adults they can confide in and see as role models.
“It is so important that we not only support our young people but also the people that support them.
“I want to see more of these conversations happening and am pleased that we are providing our frontline workers with the support, guidance and tools needed to protect our women and girls.”
The programme has been funded under the Home Office Safer Streets five scheme, through the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership and is delivered by Men At Work CIC.
Michael Conroy, founder and director of Men At Work CIC, said: “It’s been a genuine privilege to facilitate group sessions with such committed, diverse and experienced people and I am struck by the will shown to engage in transformative work.”
The programme will run up until March 2025.
