MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today announced that teachers and students across the region 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 this year.
Mr Marshall said the new teaching resource was now available for teachers to incorporate into their lesson plans for 2016.
“Local teachers and schools play an important role in all our communities,” Mr Marshall said.
“They have the knowledge and experience to assist young people with the understanding and skills to help change attitudes and behaviours around domestic violence.
“By addressing the issue of domestic violence in the classroom, our school students will be better equipped to protect themselves and others.
“This is all about educating and working with young people to ensure they are empowered with the knowledge of what domestic violence is and how they can identify possible ways to help themselves and any of their peers who may be affected by domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is a whole of community issue and it is critical the community works together to prevent it.”
Mr Marshall said the toolkit was developed by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) with specialist advice from Domestic Violence NSW and other agencies.
The new resource, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Toolkit, includes information on the:
- Signs and symptoms of abuse;
- Support available;
- Sample activities; and
- Frequently asked questions
For more information, please visit the BOSTES website to download the toolkit at: www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_sc/domestic-violence-prevention.html