School children to study domestic abuse

The strategy document, called Together We Can End Violence Against Women and Girls, says that issues such as gender equality and preventing violence in relationships will be included in the lessons by 2011.

The government also wants all teachers to be given specific training in spotting signs of abuse and supporting victims. Ministers are to ask the Training and Development agency for Schools to consider domestic abuse training in its review of professional standards next year.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls said: "Violence against women and girls is unacceptable and we must do everything we can, together with the wider community, to stop it."

Plans to set up helplines for victims of stalking, harassment and sexual violence and an online directory of services for victims are also in the strategy.

Other measures are an extra £5m to recruit and train more Independent Domestic Violence Advisors during 2010/11.

A report released earlier this week by the Hestia Fund highlighted dramatic improvements for domestic abuse victims supported by IDVAs, who act as advocates for victims.

The Fund also called for a doubling of IDVA numbers and for more councils to commission the role. The Government says around 700 IDVAs have been trained but the Hestia Fund says that of those only around 400 to 500 are currently employed.