New domestic abuse education resource launched in Rochdale

Jaria Hussain-lala (Rochdale Borough Council’s early help domestic abuse officer), Katie Charlton, All Saint’s Church of England Primary School and Early Help Headteacher and Susan Saville, Service Manager at Women's Housing Action Group (WHAG)

A new resource aimed at educating children and young people about domestic abuse has been launched in the borough of Rochdale.

The Rochdale Domestic Violence and Abuse education resource, launched by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with local schools, consists of lesson plans designed to raise awareness of domestic abuse amongst pupils. It will also teach them how to access help early on, preventing the long-term consequences of living with domestic abuse.

In the Rochdale borough last year there were 4,311 domestic violence incidents where children were present. Witnessing or being a direct victim of this type of abuse can affect a child’s learning as well their emotional and physical health.

The bespoke resource pack was developed by the council’s Education Psychologist Team to embed in young people positive attitudes around relationships, in a bid to prevent and reduce domestic abuse for generations to come.

Lesson plans will see primary school pupils using quizzes and poster design to learn how to be good friends and play nicely without violence or hurtful words.

Secondary Schools will focus on what is and isn’t acceptable in relationships, incorporating the three key areas of abuse; physical, emotional and sexual. They will also discuss consent, prejudice and none violent problem solving skills

The pack also includes a teachers’ guide to support teaching staff in dealing with domestic abuse disclosures.

Katie Charlton, All Saint’s Church of England Primary School and Early Help Headteacher, said: “In relationships where there is domestic violence and abuse, children witness around three-quarters of the abusive incidents. About half of these children have also been badly beaten themselves and are then expected to come into school and learn.

“Children are able to cope and recover better when they get the right help and support. This resource gives schools the tools they need to support children, who have witnessed domestic abuse, alongside clear guidance on how to refer the child for help. The resource is already working well in some of Rochdale’s nurseries, primary, secondary and special schools and I hope that it will continue to improve the lives of our most vulnerable children.”

Councillor Donna Martin, Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Nationally, the largest group of domestic abuse victims are aged 16 - 24 years old, so it is crucial that specific awareness work is carried out in schools. We want to highlight to our young people what domestic violence and abuse really is and also the impact it can have on both adults and young people. Our ultimate aim is to reduce the number of domestic violence incidents that happen across the borough.”