Improving support for girls and young women impacted by gangs, violence and exploitation: Risk and Needs Framework
The project aims to improve how systems identify, and support girls and young women affected by violence and exploitation linked to groups and ‘gangs’.
About the Risk and Needs project
This 12-month research project is a collaboration between Research in Practice (part of NCB), the University of Lancashire and Abianda, commissioned by Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).
The project aims to improve how systems identify, and support girls and young women affected by violence and exploitation linked to groups and ‘gangs’. Girls and young women are often overlooked in current frameworks, which can lead to ineffective support.
The project will:
- Explore how existing risks and needs frameworks reflect the lived experiences of girls and young women;
- Identify opportunities to improve these frameworks to be more gender-responsive;
- Develop resources to support better practice across safeguarding and support services; and
- Ensure that the voices of girls and young women are central to the research and resources produced from this project.
Join the next consultation event
We are looking for London-based professionals to take part in the second round of the project. This will take place 10:00-12:00 online 24 November 2026.
Building on research evidence, the experiences of girls and young women, and insights gathered from professionals in the first round, we have developed proposed outputs to support improved identification and response.
The second will test and refine these outputs, focusing on whether they are accessible, practical and useful across different professional contexts.
We welcome professionals from across social care, policing, youth justice, health, education and the voluntary and community sector, at delivery, operational and strategic levels. You do not need to have participated in the first round.
This project complements MOPAC’s wider work with Social Finance, Agenda Alliance and Abianda through the Girls and Young Women Local Groups Fund, which aims to strengthen both direct support and the evidence base on what works for girls and young women affected by violence and exploitation.