10 July 2013
A group of Year 13 students, who have expressed interest in becoming Healthy Relationship Champions, have had their first meeting with Chief Inspector Laura Lawler, Bernadette Kunna (Young Persons' Outreach Worker) and Claire Jackson (Domestic Violence & Social Media, 'Safe Haven' Fylde Coast Womens Aid) at LSA Technology & Performing Arts College.
Fylde Coast Women’s Aid and Lancashire Police approached LSA in March with an education and mentoring opportunity for Post 16 students. They are piloting a new initiative to train a group of volunteers to act as champions/points of reference following the announcement made by the Home Office to change the definition of domestic violence. Since March 2013 the official definition of domestic violence has been extended to include young people aged 16-17. This follows on from the Government’s Teenage Relationship Abuse Campaign, and is supported by the British Crime Survey 2009/10 which found that 16-19 year olds were the group most likely to suffer abuse from a partner.
The aim of the first meeting was to identify and discuss different forms of abuse, and the complexities they generate, amongst young people. It is envisaged that these students willthemselves become more aware of the advice and information available which can then be passed on to their peers. The champions will be able to put their own stamp on how their roles develop. This may take the form of assemblies, drama productions, competitions, even maybe to create a dedicated area of the school website which may be interactive and an immediate help to students who may be experiencing problems.
Catherine O'Hara (age 17) said, "I think the contributing factors in domestic abuse is the rise in social networking resulting in young people becoming sexualised, following undesirable media role models and failing to distinguish right from wrong, leading to undesirable attention and unhappy relationships. We are hoping to raise awareness to encourage people to come forward, ask questions, get advice and social network safely."
Adam Mackle (also 17) said "We all know these things happen but often ignore that fact. To offer help and support, give advice, and assist in any way we can, will be a positive response. Hopefully as I see things from a male perspective I can perhaps add to the group's effectiveness."
On July 11th the group have been invited to meet the new Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, and Baroness Newlove who is a North West based community reform campaigners and activist at an event in Blackpool to discuss their role in promoting positive relationships amongst their peers. The group will also be attending a full training day later in the month at the ’Safe Haven’ - Fylde Coast Women’s Aid and Central Blackpool Police Station with Bernadette and Claire and Chief Inspector Laura Lawler (Lancashire Police).
Sue Strother LSA’s Peer Mentor Co-ordinator said “This is a challenging opportunity for these students. They will be in a position to make a real difference to the lives of their peers. Domestic Abuse can be a taboo subject and many are not aware of the help that is available. This initiative will raise awareness and signpost support for those in abusive relationships.”
Healthy Relationship Champions
