How legal expertise is driving early intervention in gender-based violence (GBV)

What is gender-based violence (GBV)?

Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It encompasses physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm, and is rooted in gender inequality, power imbalances, and social norms. GBV can occur in both public and private spheres. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) defines gender-based violence as “a serious violation of human rights.”

Violence against women and girls is a national emergency

In 2024, UK police chiefs declared violence against women and girls a national emergency. The SCP describes sexual violence as an epidemic.

• One in three women experience sexual violence during their lifetime.
• One in six children have been sexually abused.
• 49% of all sexual offenses are committed against 10–19-year-olds.
• Nearly 90% of girls have been sent unwanted sexually explicit images or videos.

Misconceptions among young people:

• 58% of 18–24-year-olds believe women either often or sometimes make up rape allegations.
• 50% believe that the rules of consent differ online and offline.
• 58% believe consent is assumed within a relationship or marriage.

Early intervention that changes lives

Since 2015, the SCP has worked to dispel these myths and teach young people the law around sex and consent so that they can make informed choices. Many fall foul of consent laws without realizing it, especially in online spaces. The workshops take a legal approach to topics that feel challenging or taboo. Sessions cover the definition of consent, key sexual offenses, and online harm. Facilitators use collaborative exercises to challenge misconceptions and explore harmful attitudes.

The SCP relies on volunteers from the legal profession to deliver workshops. Since partnering with the SCP in 2024, A&O Shearman lawyers have delivered 34 sessions to 1,000+ students. The impact is positive: nearly 90% of students felt their understanding of consent was really clear after a Schools Consent Project workshop, and 90% of students felt more empowered to make a decision relating to sex and consent after our workshops.

Legal expertise that matters

Founded by Kate Parker, a criminal barrister, and directed by Monica Bhogal, a former media law partner, the SCP brings legal authority into classrooms.

“We are the only organization that offers legal workshops to secondary school students,” says Monica. “Our sessions are exclusively lawyer-led, which means students get accurate, practical answers to difficult questions without judgment.”

“These conversations must start early to create real, lasting change. Our volunteers feel they make a real impact—many lead multiple sessions every year.”

Paying it forward: Serena’s perspective

Lawyer Serena Conn first encountered the SCP at school. Today she is an associate in A&O Shearman’s London office.

“I remember how powerful that session was when I was at school and so wanted to give back, especially because I love working with young people,” says Serena. “The SCP gives you a wealth of good resources during training, and I can volunteer in a very flexible way. I’ve now delivered five sessions in and around London.”

Serena has seen first-hand how students respond: “We talk openly about consent which helps them to engage with these vital conversations and use language that might otherwise feel taboo—no question is silly or embarrassing. Discussions are encouraged to be two-way so students engage and take ownership of what they learn. Sessions are tailored for different age groups, and it’s rewarding to see schools requesting workshops for all secondary school year groups and returning year after year.”

Creating a future free from gender-based violence (GBV)

Ending sexual and gender-based violence needs urgent, collective action—and education is a powerful starting point. By engaging students early, we can protect young people now and reduce the risk of violence in the future.

A&O Shearman is proud to support the SCP and will continue to contribute our expertise and resources to it.

FAQs

What is the Schools Consent Project?

The Schools Consent Project (SCP) is a nonprofit that brings lawyers into classrooms to teach young people about consent. The goal is to foster open conversations and help shift behaviors away from gender-based violence.

How does the SCP support young people?

Since 2015, the SCP has worked to dispel GBV myths and teach young people the law around sex and consent so they can make informed choices. Many fall foul of consent laws without realizing it, especially in online spaces, and the Schools Consent Project is the only initiative of its kind that is aimed at secondary school-aged children.

During one-hour workshops, lawyers cover the legal definition of consent, how to recognize consent, options in case of an assault, bystander intervention, and key sexual offenses, including those in the online space. Interactive exercises challenge misconceptions and address harmful attitudes.

How do A&O Shearman lawyers prepare for these workshops?

All volunteer lawyers undertake rigorous training, which includes:

• 30-minute Q&A
• Two hours of mandatory training
• 30-minute assessment
• Additional refresher training as needed
• The option to shadow a workshop
• Continued support

What benefits do A&O Shearman volunteers gain from participating?

The volunteers all say how rewarding running the workshops is, and that they can see the impact immediately from the feedback from students and how engaged they are in the interactive sessions.

What impact has A&O Shearman’s involvement had so far?

Since partnering with the SCP in 2024, A&O Shearman lawyers have delivered 34 sessions to over 1,000 students. The impact is positive: nearly 90% of students felt their understanding of consent was really clear after a Schools Consent Project workshop, and 90% of students felt more empowered to make a decision relating to sex and consent after our workshops.