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Widening participation backgrounds & safeguarding

2. Why might students from WP backgrounds be at greater risk of harm?

Students from widening participation backgrounds may be more likely to experience abuse due to several interrelated factors:

Vulnerability Due to Socioeconomic Factors:

  • Financial Strain: Economic instability can lead to high-stress environments, potentially making students more susceptible to abusive relationships or situations.
  • Housing Instability: Those in precarious living conditions may face exploitation or abuse, particularly if they are living in unsafe environments.
Limited Support Networks:

  • Isolation: Students may lack strong support systems, leaving them more vulnerable to manipulation or abuse.
  • Lack of Mentorship: Students may struggle to recognize or address abusive situations without mentors to guide them.
Educational Disparities:

  • Lower Awareness of Rights: Students from underrepresented backgrounds may not be as informed about their rights or available resources.
  • Inadequate Preparation: These students may not have the same education around healthy relationships and personal safety.
Discrimination and Prejudice:

  • Experiences of Marginalisation: Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status can increase vulnerability to abuse, as individuals may feel pressured to tolerate harmful situations.
  • Cultural Barriers: Cultural norms and stigmas may discourage reporting abuse, especially in communities where seeking help is viewed negatively.
Mental Health Factors:

  • Increased Stress and Anxiety: The pressures of navigating education, financial instability, and social isolation can exacerbate mental health issues, leaving students more susceptible to harmful relationships.
  • Historical Trauma: Some students may carry the effects of past trauma, impacting their resilience and increasing vulnerability to further abuse.
Lack of Access to Resources:

  • Limited Access to Support Services: Students may not know about or have access to services that can help them navigate abusive situations.
  • Transportation and Mobility Issues: Practical barriers to accessing resources can prevent people from seeking help or escaping abusive circumstances.
References:



Education in England (EPI)- Annual Report 2018 Key Drivers of the Disadvantage Gap