December 12, 2017 6.26 am This story is over 75 months old

Lincoln schoolchildren take part in domestic abuse classes

Lincolnshire schools have highlighted the impact that domestic abuse has on children and young people.
Charlie Jenkins, Learning Mentor with Class 4 at Hemswell Cliff Primary School.

Organisations in Lincolnshire have highlighted the impact that domestic abuse has on children as part of a national ‘16 days of action’ campaign.

Children at Hemswell Cliff Primary School took part in a special week of ‘Expect Respect’ lessons about healthy relationships from December 4 – 8.

Around 1,400 children are living in households with high risk domestic abuse in Lincolnshire, and nationally, one in five young people have been in an abusive relationship themselves.

Class 4 at Hemswell Cliff Primary

Sara Barry, Safer Communities Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The impact of domestic abuse on children and young people can be huge and long-lasting.

“If we want to prevent abuse in relationships, it’s vital that we educate children and young people about healthy, respectful relationships, and give the staff the resources to be able to support both children and their parents.”

Angie Waplington, Headteacher at Hemswell Cliff Primary School, added: “It’s so important when children are surrounded by many conflicting messages – through TV, the internet, computer games and within communities – that we play our part in promoting positive, respectful relationships.

“The ‘Expect Respect’ resources are tailored for each year of school and offer opportunities for age-appropriate discussions with our children.

“We take our responsibility for the wellbeing of children very seriously – not just so they have a happy childhood, but so they go on to have successful relationships throughout their lives.”