Hertfordshire-based law firm HAB Law has announced a major new partnership with Tender, a specialist arts and education charity working to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence, and Dignify, a One YMCA programme with a vision for children to thrive in healthy relationships, free from the harmful effects of pornography and sexual objectification.
As part of the initiative, HAB Law is donating £50,000 to fund 20 educational workshops across Hertfordshire secondary schools. The sessions, 10 delivered by Tender and 10 by Dignify will help young people and teachers recognise the early signs of coercive and controlling behaviour and understand the importance of dignity, respect, and healthy relationships.
The collaboration was officially launched at a special event on Thursday 20th November, which bought together educators, community leaders, and safeguarding professionals to mark this important investment in prevention through education.
Educating to Prevent
Through this joint initiative, Tender will deliver 10 arts-based workshops focused on equipping children and young people with the skills and knowledge to identify healthy and unhealthy behaviours in relationships, using creative arts and discussion-based learning to help students explore relationship dynamics.
Dignify will deliver a further 10 workshops focused on building self-worth and resilience, helping young people to understand the impact of pornography and sexual objectification and to form healthy, respectful relationships rooted in dignity and empathy.
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 model for how early education can play a vital role in preventing domestic abuse and promoting relationship wellbeing.
This initiative marks what the partners hope will be just the first step in ensuring every school has access to this kind of preventative education. By demonstrating the impact of these first 20 workshops, the organisations aim to inspire local businesses, community groups, and individuals to come together and help fund more sessions across Hertfordshire, so every young person can benefit from learning what healthy, respectful relationships look like.
Imtiaz Choudry, Director of HAB Law, said:
‘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. It’s our way of turning awareness into action and building a safer future for the next generation.’
Susie McDonald, CEO of Tender, said:
‘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. Partnering with HAB Law means we can deliver our healthy relationship programmes in more schools, helping to empower more young people with these critical life skills.’
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.’
Launch Event – 20th November
The launch event took place on Thursday 20th November in Watford, Hertfordshire, bringing together local stakeholders, educators, and media to celebrate the start of the project.
The event showcased the work of Tender and Dignify, highlighted the stories behind the initiative, and shared how schools across the county can take part in the prevention programme.
