Teachers and students will be given the means to recognise and act on domestic violence with a new ‘toolkit’ for the mandatory Year 7 to Year 10 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) syllabus from Term 1 in 2016.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward was joined by the Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres today at Penrith High to launch a new teaching resource that is now available for teachers to incorporate into their lesson plans for 2016.
Ms Goward said by addressing the issue of domestic violence in the classroom students were better able to protect themselves and others.
“By educating and working with our young people we can ensure they are empowered with the knowledge of what domestic violence is and how they can identify possible ways to protect themselves and others,” Ms Goward said.
The new resource, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Toolkit, includes:
• signs and symptoms of abuse
• support available
• sample activities
• frequently asked questions.
Mr Ayres said domestic violence is a whole of community issue and it is critical the community works together to prevent it.
“Teachers and schools play an important role in all our communities. They have the knowledge and experience to equip young people with the understanding and skills to help change attitudes and behaviours around domestic violence,” Mr Ayres said.
The toolkit was development by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) with specialist advice from Domestic Violence NSW and other agencies.
Visit the BOSTES website to download the toolkit: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_sc/domestic-violence-prevention.html