Youth violence is a complex and growing issue that impact not just individuals, but entire communities. The Gifted Organisation Limited is taking bold steps to address this through our signature six-week Butterfly Project for vulnerable and marginalised teenage girls, combined with a parenting support programme and stronger school partnerships. Admittedly all teenage girls and young people are vulnerable but we know that some are exposed to a greater risk than others.

Teenage girls with undiagnosed or missed special educational needs (SEN) in regions like Enfield, Essex and Hertfordshire face heightened risk of exploitation and involvement in youth violence. The lack of proper identification and support for those needs can lead to vulnerabilities that are often exploited by criminal elements.

In Enfield, during 2022/23 period, 239 children and young people were identified as being at risk of, or experiencing, child criminal and/or sexual exploitation. Notably, 26% of these individuals has special educational needs, and 8% had a disability. This data underscores the significant overlap between unmet SEN and susceptibility to exploitation.

The Gifted have been working with NEXUS in Enfield since 2019 to reduce the number of school exclusions among girls and young women in over 20 Secondary Schools across the borough. We know that undiagnosed SEN can lead to behavioural issues and persistent disruptive behaviour, resulting in school exclusion. This can potentially lead to isolation, making these girls and young people more susceptible to negative influences and exploitation.

Vulnerable teenage girls, particularly those who are marginalised due to socio-economic circumstances (we know that one in four families are experiencing child poverty in most of the areas we work), family instability or systemic disadvantages are often at greater risks of being drawn into cycles of violence. Whether they are victims, witnesses or participants, the impact of youth violence on their lives is profound.

Youth violence doesn’t happen in isolation – it is rooted in feelings of exclusion, low self esteem, and lack of support. Many of these young women face challenges such as peer pressure and gang-related influences. Romantic relationships with gang members are not uncommon among some of the girls we meet. Schools are not always aware of trauma from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and some families, particularly those from migrant communities are not always so open and transparent about their challenges.

The Butterfly Project is designed to break these cycles by empowering girls to advocate for themselves, equipping young people with the confidence and skills they need to thrive. The Butterfly Project helps our beneficiaries to realise their potential, break free from limiting circumstances, and spread their wings. We are teaching conflict resolution and assertive communication to navigate difficult situations. At the same time we are leaning towards restorative practices in school-settings as opposed to the traditional punitive approach of sanctions.

We acknowledge the importance of girls and young people understanding consequences and taking accountability for their challenging behaviour. It is also important to support girls and young people to regulate their emotions instead of suppressing their feelings. In an ideal world we’d like to see more sensory rooms in mainstream secondary schools where young people can reflect on their behaviour and self regulate. I personally feel this is a more productive means of internal exclusion.

Schools are more than just places of learning; they are safe havens where young people can be guided, supported and inspired. By partnering with us and introducing The Butterfly Project into your school settings, you can take an active role in preventing youth violence and empowering the most vulnerable students. Teachers and school staff often have the closest insight into which students are struggling and who will benefit. It is important to raise awareness among staff, students and parents. We are available to deliver school assemblies as a means of introducing the programme to the school community.

Change is possible when we invest in our young people. Let’s empower these young women to break free from the cycle of youth violence, exploitation and adversity because every girl deserves the chance to fly.