Scots schools to teach prevention

Schools
play a key role in tackling domestic violence, according to Margaret Curran,
minister for social justice in the Scottish parliament.

She made her comments when announcing a new
school-focused initiative at a conference hosted by the executive’s domestic
violence prevention working group.

Curran, who chairs the National Group to
Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland, said: "Prevention work in schools is
one of the most important ways we have to influence the attitudes and behaviour
of future generations. Getting over to young people that relationships should
be based on equality and respect will have a significant impact on how they
respond to partners."

The executive has commissioned a paper on
tackling domestic abuse, With All Due Respect, which is to be given a
key place in the national debate on education.

Pupils from Carrick Academy in Ayr and James
Gillespie’s High School in Edinburgh also presented powerful messages about
domestic abuse using artwork and statements from children in refuges.

One child living in a women’s aid refuge in
South Ayrshire said: "They can catch you for not having a TV licence, but
they can’t catch you for doing this to another human being. My mum has no
life."

– With All Due Respect is at www.Itscotland.com