Streetwise
Streetwise is a project developed and run by the Lilith Project in partnership with Beatbullying, a national charity campaigning and working with young people in schools to stop bullying.
The aim of the project is to raise awareness of – and therefore prevent – sexual bullying and exploitation of young people by their peers and/or adults. We hope to empower the young people taking part in the project to become mentors in their schools, and to be able discuss these issues with their peers.
Coercion into prostitution
One major objective of Streetwise is to alert young people to the very real dangers of being coerced or forced into prostitution, increasingly by their peers. We also hope to inform them of other forms of violence and abuse perpetrated against young people.
How does Streetwise work?
The project takes the form of ten two-hour sessions during term time with the same group of young people from a specific London borough.
The panel discussions start by looking at healthy and unhealthy relationships and how young people feel and talk about sexual/intimate relationships and sexuality. This is followed by talking with young people about the myths surrounding sexual violence and the stereotypes of men and women’s sexual behaviour, and challenging their attitudes.
After identifying other forms of abuse and violence, we then move on to tackling prostitution and grooming. We examine these issues in reference to sexism, misogyny and other discriminatory behaviour in society and help the young people place them within the continuum of violence against women.
Which boroughs are involved?
We are currently working in Merton, Camden and Barking and Dagenham following a successful start in Croydon in 2007.
We hope to start further Streetwise projects in Southwark and Bexley later on in 2008.
Please see www.bbclic.com/streetwise for the Croydon Streetwise Project’s work.
