Zac Hearn, our Police Youth and Engagement Officer, came and spoke with our Year 10 and 12 students this week on the important topic of domestic and family violence. His presentation was a valuable opportunity for students to understand better the seriousness of domestic violence, the importance of respectful relationships, and the need to seek help if they, or someone they know, may be unsafe.
While the recent legal changes primarily focus on adult behaviour and relationships, they remain highly relevant to young people. Students can be directly or indirectly impacted by domestic and family violence through their homes, communities, or future relationships. As a school, we have an important role to play in helping students recognise harmful behaviours early and understand what safe, respectful and healthy relationships should look like.
This also connects closely with the learning that already takes place in our curriculum through PDHPE, Respectful Relationships and Education, and Life Ready programs. Through these areas, students learn about respectful relationships, abuse, power, coercion, protective strategies, the impact of violence on relationships, and domestic violence prevention.
We want our students to understand that respect is not just shown through words, but through actions, boundaries, safety and care for others. We are grateful to Zac and his team for taking the time to speak with our students and for helping reinforce the importance of recognising unhealthy behaviours or relationships, making safe choices, and knowing when and how to seek support.
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