Trio of schools teach importance of respect

RESPECT was the key message as Leongatha Primary School, Leongatha Secondary College and South Gippsland  Specialist School students took to the oval on Friday to mark Saturday’s start to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign.

Stephanie Martin, a teacher at the primary school and co-organiser of the four-lap orange themed school event along with secondary school nurse Bec Cooke, spoke about the value of involving kids in the campaign.

She explained the schools initially became active in the 16 Days of Activism campaign through the Respectful Relationships program, a State Government initiative and part of the school curriculum. 

Through Respectful Relationships, students learn about gender and identity, with Stephanie saying the activism campaign is consistent with the values taught at school through that program.

She reflected on the Royal Commission into Family Violence, and the importance of people learning respectful behaviour from an early age.

“We need to start at this level to teach kids how to be respectful and teach respect in relationships,” Stephanie said, adding it is believed that approach will eventually eradicate family violence.

She noted the need to eliminate gender stereotypes that contribute to family violence.

“This is all about bringing it to the community’s attention,” Stephanie said of the 16 Days of Activism’s role in shining a spotlight on family violence and ways to reduce it.

Anglicare representatives were at the oval to provide information for those impacted by family violence.

Peta Speight is the organisation’s ‘program manager for family safety and children’ across Gippsland and highlighted the role Anglicare plays.

“I work with women, children and men who are either affected by or using violence in the family home and we have a number of programs designed to intervene, work with families, and provide safety, in particular for women and children.”

Peta said there are men who realise they need to change their behaviour and Anglicare works with them to prevent violence and protect women and children.

“We are open to referrals from men themselves or their partners, schools, and members of the community,” Peta said.

As well as its efforts in the area of family violence, Anglicare offers services for those doing it tough financially in the current economic climate, with financial counselling and an energy assist program that helps people reduce their energy bills.

Anglicare is also involved in arranging foster care for children in need and in the provision of free legal advice through an association with Gippsland Legal Service.

During Friday’s oval walk, students heard announcements about respectful behaviour.

Help is available for those experiencing or perpetrating family violence:

Anglicare Victoria can be contacted on 1800 809 722.

Orange Door Inner Gippsland can be reached on 1800 319 354.