Northumbria's PCC Wants 5 Year Olds Taught About Domestic Violence

11 September 2014, 05:45 | Updated: 11 September 2014, 05:49

Northumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner's calling for schools to teach young children about domestic violence against women and girls.

Vera Baird is working with Seema Malhotra, Shadow Minister for preventing violence against women and girls, to get the subject onto the school curriculum.

They want to bring the issue of violence prevention into Personal, Social and Health Education classes, starting for youngsters at Key Stage 1 for (5 to 7 -year-olds).

This work is one of many important issues which will be raised at a conference being held at Northumbria University later. 

Vera Baird said:
"It's important we take every opportunity to help educate children about this important issue which adversely affects too many lives in the north east.

By educating our young people from an early age we can make sure children understand that non-violent
relationships are healthy and normal.  

Moreover, those that cause harm, whether physical or through coercive and controlling behaviour are not acceptable in our society.

This is an important lesson for all our young people to grasp so we can help them maintain positive relationships throughout
their lives."

The conference is being held in partnership with the High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, Ruth Thompson, OBE. 

It aims to create safer environments and homes for young people affected by domestic violence and abuse.