Family violence education in Victorian schools could become law after six Hobsons Bay students passed a bill in Youth Parliament to put the issue on the curriculum.
Youth Affairs Minister Jenny Mikakos will present the bill to the relevant government minister for consideration.
Williamstown MP Wade Noonan, who was the speaker during Youth Parliament, discussed the issue with Hobsons Bay’s team members Gabi Duke, 16, Hue Man Dang, 17, Jes Evans, 16, Emma Jansen, 17, Will McKenzie, 16 and Jonathan Sahhar, 17.
Hue Man, Hobsons Bay’s Young Citizen of the Year and a student at Bayside College, delivered a speech in Youth Parliament urging people to redress social attitudes that underpin family violence.
“Our Watch, an anti-violence group, found that one in four young men believe that violence against women is normal,” she said.
She said young people needed to be aware of what healthy relationships looked like and where to get help.
“Students need to know that the victims of domestic abuse are not the ones to be blamed,” Hue Man said.
“Although many organisations have raised awareness about domestic violence, I think by having it embedded in our school curriculum we can send a firm message that ‘we will not excuse abuse’.”
Anyone experiencing family violence can call 1800 RESPECT.
