A Hertfordshire law firm has launched a major new initiative to tackle domestic abuse and sexual violence through preventative education in local schools.
Substantial Investment in Youth Education
HAB Law, based in Hertfordshire, has announced a powerful three-way partnership with two specialist charities: Tender, an arts and education charity working to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence, and Dignify, a One YMCA programme focused on helping children thrive in healthy relationships free from pornography's harmful effects.
The firm is demonstrating its commitment through action, donating £50,000 to fund twenty educational workshops across Hertfordshire secondary schools. This significant investment will see ten sessions delivered by Tender and another ten by Dignify, all aimed at helping young people and teachers recognise early signs of coercive control while understanding the importance of dignity and respect.
Workshop Content and Approach
The collaboration officially launched at a special event on Thursday, November 20 in Watford, which brought together educators, community leaders, and safeguarding professionals to mark this important investment in prevention through education.
Tender's workshops will use creative arts and discussion-based learning to equip young people with practical skills to identify both healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours. Through these innovative methods, students will explore relationship dynamics in engaging, memorable ways.
Dignify's sessions will take a different but complementary approach, focusing on building self-worth and resilience in young people. These workshops will help students understand the impact of pornography and sexual objectification, empowering them to form relationships rooted in dignity and empathy.
Creating a Model for Prevention
By combining Tender's expertise in abuse prevention, Dignify's community-driven education on dignity and respect, and HAB Law's legal insight and leadership, the partnership aims to make Hertfordshire a national model for how early education can play a vital role in preventing domestic abuse.
Imtiaz Choudry, Director of HAB Law, explained their motivation: "At HAB Law, we see first-hand the lifelong impact coercive control can have. We want to repurpose our profit into prevention – that's why, as part of our giving back pledge, we're investing £50,000 to help educate young people early, before harmful patterns take hold."
Susie McDonald, CEO of Tender, emphasised the importance of early intervention: "Preventing domestic abuse must start as early as possible, and that means educating children and young people. With creativity and open discussion, young people gain practical skills to confidently recognise and challenge abusive behaviours."
Guy Foxell, CEO of One YMCA, added: "This collaboration is about coming together to change the culture around relationships. With the right education, we can stop abuse before it starts, and build communities based on respect and dignity."
The partners hope this initiative represents just the first step toward ensuring every school in Hertfordshire has access to preventative education. By demonstrating the impact of these initial twenty workshops, the organisations aim to inspire local businesses, community groups, and individuals to help fund more sessions across the county.
