We are inviting London-based professionals to take part in the second round of consultations for a MOPAC-commissioned project exploring how professionals identify and respond to girls and young women affected by violence, exploitation and groups / ‘gangs’.

The project is being delivered by Research in Practice (part of NCB), the University of Lancashire and Abianda. 

In Round 1, professionals shared their experiences of current approaches, frameworks and practice, including what works well and where there are gaps and challenges. We have brought these insights together with research evidence and the experiences of girls and young women to inform the development of proposed outputs.

Round 2 will focus on testing and refining these outputs. We want to hear whether they reflect the realities of practice and whether they are accessible, practical and useful in supporting better identification of, and responses to, harm experienced by girls and young women.

We welcome professionals from social care, early help/family support, policing, youth justice, health, education, and voluntary and community organisations, across delivery, operational management and strategic leadership roles.

You do not need to have taken part in Round 1 to participate.

The focus groups will take place online on:

Date: 24th November 2026

Time: 10:00am to 12:00noon

Please note that you will be sent a consent form to complete prior to the event. 

Please ensure that you complete and return the consent form in order to secure your place.