School children to study domestic abuse

By Joe Lepper
Children & Young People Now
25 November 2009

School's PSHE lessons are to cover domestic abuse issues, the government has announced in its violence against women and girls strategy.

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.

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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.

 

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Posted Comments

David McCullough - 1 December 2009

Hey Andy,

I think Stewart's point was that, by placing it under the banner of the government's 'ending violence against women and girls' policy, it completely ignores the fact that men and boys make up a fifth of victims of domestic violence, and the overwhelming majority of victims of violent crime in general.

( source- 2001-2002 British CrIme Survey, widely quoted on the BBC relationships site)

In any other campaign against a criminal act, writing a fifth of the victims off with the campaign headline wouldn't be acceptable, so why is this?

I'm sure you're right about the classroom side of it, it's the government campaign that bothers me.

Apple Andy - 26 November 2009

Agree with what you're saying Stewart but you would ( i would ) certainly assume that as part of the course young people are taught that it is wrong. Similarly - drugs, bullying, alcohol, sex etc.. You can tell young people that these are all wrong but they still get involved with them.

Young people like everyone have access to any information they want whether that be domestic violence or whatever. Raising and highlighting this issue, informing young people of effects of domestic violence and focussing on decision making, I believe is anything but a bad thing.

 

Stewart Nicolson - 26 November 2009

I'm quite worried by this. Surely it would be better to teach that domestic violence is wrong, irrespective of the gender of either party? I fear that it may portray all males in a negative light vis a vis females.

Catherine Ryan - 25 November 2009

Today's announcement from the government is very welcome news. We've been campaigning for better education to prevent domestic abuse for 15 years.

Many schools should already be proud of excellent work they do in this area, with sessions for pupils in many primary school supported by sessions for both teachers and parents

When sessions do begin in 2011, we need to ensure they are delivered with the right kind of partnerships and support. Lessons need to look at relationships and respect and what makes a good relationship, as well as strong signposting and information on the relevant professional services children can go to.

Finding an appropriate, safe and early way to address and highlight the issues is key to making changes to future families and relationships.

Chris Cowan, Director of Loudmouth Education & Training ThroughTheatre. www.loudmouth.co.uk