The Traveller Movement have launched their Healthy Relationships Toolkit on International Woman’s Day.

For immediate release – 08 March 2024

The Traveller Movement Healthy Relationships Toolkit is designed by and for Romani (Gypsy), Irish Traveller and Roma young people aged 13+. It has been co-produced with Romani (Gypsy), Irish Traveller and Roma youth and parents to ensure culturally relevant and targeted supports are available.  

The Toolkit covers gender roles, consent, victim-blaming, online safety, spotting the red flags and guidance on finding help. This interactive Toolkit allows users to explore healthy relationships through activities and videos from community members and allies.  

The Traveller Movement research demonstrates that 66% of domestic abuse service providers do not feel their service is aware of how to engage and accommodate Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller Women. When we see this combined with the fact that 79% of domestic abuse service providers had not received targeted awareness training about Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities and survivors there is a clear gap within the sector to support these communities.  

This Toolkit is designed to support and empower the next generation of Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Travellers to know their rights and understand the warning signs of abuse. This will enable young community members to lead the way in promoting healthy relationships through a community-led approach.   

The Toolkit is aimed at teachers, parents and other educators or youth workers who wish to educate the younger generation about healthy and unhealthy relationships. Each section addresses a key topic and includes the learning objectives, resources and an explanation of the relevant activity.  

A parliamentary launch of the Toolkit will take place on March 18 in Parliament 2:30 – 4:30pm. This even kindly hosted by Jess Phillips MP will celebrate the women who helped build this Toolkit and is open to community members and practitioners.  

Quote:  

“This Toolkit puts the communities at the centre of this vital work to promote healthy relationships. To many resources targeted at Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Travellers are prescriptive and have had little consultation with community members in their creation. This Toolkit is by the community for the community. By using this Toolkit within our communities, we can ensure everyone has a safe and healthy relationship”. – Crystal Grace Smith – Traveller Movement Youth Advisory Group Member  

NOTE TO EDITOR:  

The Traveller Movement is a national charity working to promote equality and human rights for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the UK. We aim to challenge discrimination and break down barriers in education, health, employment and the criminal justice system. The Traveller Movement works with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller individuals and families to tackle prejudice and promote community cohesion. 

You can sign up on our Eventbrite page for our Parliamentary Launch https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/healthy-relationships-for-romani-gypsies-roma-and-irish-travellers-tickets-831625563447?aff=oddtdtcreator  

See the Toolkit here https://women.travellermovement.org.uk/community-corner/healthy-relationships/  

For any questions please email women@travellermovement.org.uk 

The Traveller Movement has a secure line for those facing domestic abuse helpline at 0754 1637 795.