Raising Awareness On Domestic Violence

The Safe Partnership is calling on more schools to cover the issue of domestic violence - they say 16-24 year olds are now the most at risk of being in a ciolent relationship.

They've also found that 75,000 children a year will witness domestic violence.

The national charity - which is based in Dorset - is now offering free workshops to schools across the country to raise awareness of the issue amongst young people.

The Safe DATE (Domestic Abuse Training and Education) programme includes examples real life situations.

On Tuesday 21st February they're doing an interactive workshop at The Purbeck School in Dorset.

Carly Brown is from the charity in Wareham - she said:

"Our sessions explain what is and isn't acceptable behaviour. Apart from obvious things like calling you names or shouting, it's important to remind youngsters that their boyfriend or girlfriend shouldn't be controlling. Seemingly small things like checking your text messages, your facebook or getting jealous about you spending time with family and friends isn't acceptable. We want to help them spot these early warning signs which could develop into something more serious."

She added:

"Some young people also think their partner has the right to hit them if they are unfaithful.

"By raising young people's awareness of abusive relationships and domestic violence, the Safe Partnership hopes to stop them becoming a statistic."

If any schools would like to find out more about having a free workshop, visit: www.safepartnership.org

Or call: 01929 551100

On the website it says:

We are offering Domestic Violence awareness workshops to highlight the effects of domestic violence and provide information about the support networks that are in place to help anyone who may be, or knows someone who may be, experiencing domestic violence. These workshops, conducted by CRB checked and trained staff, are available to all schools (Key Stage 3 and upwards), colleges and groups free of charge. Please contact us if you would like to discuss booking a workshop. If we work together we can put a STOP to domestic violence!