A third of boys think women can be hit

OLDHAM Family Crisis Group has taken its campaign to stop domestic violence into schools.

A short Punch and Judy DVD addressing the issue has been made following feedback from young people during a domestic violence conference in Oldham.

The DVD, paid for by the children’s fund, explores the issues of domestic violence, people’s values and attitudes, and what makes a healthy relationship.

It has been distributed to secondary schools across the borough and contains a dramatised Punch and Judy domestic violence scenario and tips on how to keep safe.

The DVD is supported by trainer’s notes including information about the growing problem.

Yasmin Shad, from Oldham Family Crisis Group, said: “The initial idea for the DVD emerged in 2005 when we held a domestic violence conference for young people.

“It has been shown in schools where awareness-raising work has been jointly facilitated by school staff and Oldham Family Crisis Group.”

She added: “Many children are afraid to speak out about violence in the home.

“The DVD can be used as a communication tool and awareness-raising resource.”

A recent study by Audrey Mullinder et al was carried out in schools to discover children’s views about domestic violence and their attitudes towards it.

The survey found that 84 per cent of pupils wanted lessons on domestic violence in school.

Boys demonstrated less awareness than girls and appeared to become less clear, as they got older, about whether or not men should take responsibility for their own violence.

When asked whether women deserve to be hit, 33 per cent of boys aged 13-14 agreed, compared to 20 per cent of girls.

This gave strong justification for work in school to help boys especially understand the issues of domestic violence before their attitudes hardened, which was evident around the age of 11.

This opinion was echoed in the Government’s “Safety and Justice” document 2003, which strongly supported the use of awareness-raising sessions on domestic violence as part of the physical and social health education curriculum in schools.