Domestic abuse charity Society Without Abuse is celebrating the end of the school year with nine schools across Swindon having achieved its HOPE Award, recognising a commitment to tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims.
The schools: Even Swindon; Gorse Hill Primary; Oaktree Nursery and Primary, Mountford Manor, Moredon Primary, Nyland School, Beechcroft Infants, Haydon Wick Primary; and Shaw Ridge Primary have all completed specialist awareness training and selected classes have received dedicated lessons in building healthy friendships and relationships. HOPE schools also run confidential drop-in sessions for the school community who may be victims of domestic abuse, or worried about someone who is.
Many children see their school as their safe and supportive place, and schools that have committed to the HOPE programme, as well as those that work with the HOPE Outreach Team supporting children recovering from domestic abuse, further enhances this.
However, as the school year comes to a close and families look forward to six weeks of holiday together, it can equally be an unsettling time for victims, as Children and Families Manager Emma Maclennan explains: “For many children, school is their safe place. The HOPE Award isn’t just a plaque to proudly display, it represents a commitment by teachers and staff to recognise the signs of abuse, offer early intervention, and be a point of contact for children and families who might be struggling.
“We’ve also seen in a number of our schools that it’s not just the families who approach us for support once they’ve started the HOPE programme, but staff too. Domestic abuse doesn’t discriminate and anyone regardless of age, gender or background can become victims – and with one in five people likely to be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime, that could mean an alarming number of people we work with or see every day need help or support without it being obvious.
“As we approach the summer break, we know some children will be spending more time in homes that may not feel safe. That’s why we’re so proud of these schools, they’ve gone the extra mile to ensure families know they’re not alone and help is out there.”
Head of Even Swindon Primary School, Rachael Smith, added: “Our School has been on an incredible journey to achieve our HOPE award this year. This initiative has really helped raise the profile of domestic abuse, creating greater awareness of the signs and impacts it can have within our community. The children have received fantastic support from the SWA team as we’ve explored what healthy relationships look like.
“As a result of our collective efforts, the whole school community has gained a better understanding of domestic abuse, empowering them to recognise its impact, either personally or through others. This awareness is so important, as it helps people know where to signpost someone in need. Raising the profile of this issue means we can offer vital support, enabling our children and families to thrive in safe, loving environments and helping them learn what a respectful relationship should look like for the future.”
All schools across Swindon can now also benefit from SWA’s expertise thanks to free training materials now available thanks to a collaboration between the Swindon Safeguarding Partnership and EVAWG Wiltshire Group (Ending Violence Against Women and Girls).
To find out more about SWA and HOPE Outreach for children, visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk/
If you need advice for yourself or a friend relating to Domestic Abuse, call Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
Article from Vox PR and Marketing
