Government must not delay mandatory RSE for another two years

Rachel Krys, Co-Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said:

“We are extremely disappointed that mandatory Relationship and Sex Education has been delayed until September 2020.  

“The EVAW Coalition and our members, who do frontline work supporting victims of abuse, have campaigned for compulsory RSE for all young people for many years because we know that establishing healthy attitudes to sex and relationships at a young age is one of the best ways to try to prevent abuse in the long term.

“Two years ago many were outraged when the extent of sexual harassment and violence in schools was revealed by a committee of MPs and in response the Government committed to introducing compulsory relationships and sex education. It is unacceptable that this is now being delayed for another two years.

“#MeToo should have been a wake up call. Sexual harassment and violence is endemic in our society and for too many children we’re leaving it to the internet to teach them about sex and relationships. It is essential that the Government stops dragging its feet and introduces effective relationships and sex education as a matter of urgency.”