PROJECT AIM

To understand what increases the risk of men and boys using violence against women and girls, and to identify what works to prevent this before it happens.

WHY IT MATTERS

Most responses to violence against women and girls focus on what happens after harm has already occurred. While this support is essential, it does not stop violence from happening in the first place. If the UK is serious about cutting these crimes, we need to act earlier. This project brings together clear, reliable evidence about the root causes of violence and the kinds of early action that can reduce risk across communities.

APPROACH

We are conducting a structured rapid review of high-quality international and UK research. Two strands run in parallel: Evidence on risk and protective factors across individual, family, community and societal levels, and evidence on early prevention programmes that work with men and boys to build healthy attitudes and behaviours before any violence happens. We will carefully screen and assess studies, then bring the findings together in a clear, practical way, focusing on what is relevant and realistic in the UK.

IMPACT

The project will show which early actions are most promising, highlight where evidence is strong and where gaps remain, and provide a simple prevention framework to guide funding and planning. This will help policing, local authorities and community partners invest in earlier, joined-up prevention rather than relying only on responding after harm has occurred.