NCJ Number
187556
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes and draws lessons from British inter-agency educational programs that have focused on providing guidance to children and youth for whom domestic violence is part of their lives, as well as to children and youth who currently have no information or incorrect information about the issue.
Abstract
There are some conclusions that can be drawn from the experiences of various inter-agency education initiatives to date. First, the two issues of educating children and youth about domestic violence and providing support services for those children who are victims of it cannot be separated. Second, establishing relationships with schools is important in gaining youth involvement. Third, employing people to go into schools and youth clubs to begin the initiative is helpful in getting a project started. Fourth, teachers and youth workers are as subject to the myths and stereotypes about domestic violence as the rest of the population; thus, it is essential that teachers be trained to increase their awareness and understanding of the issue before they teach children and youth about the subject. Fifth, education of children and youth will not, but itself, yield an effective prevention strategy. Educational initiatives must occur at the same time as the rest of society is being educated if it is to have any impact. In addition, children and youth should not be left with the feeling that they are the only generation that needs to change. Sixth, a balance must be found between empowering children and youth to feel that they can be part of the solution in preventing domestic violence and helping youth from violent families to take a realistic view of their limitations and opportunities in addressing the situation. Appended relevant portions of the British Education Reform Act and the charter from the Fife Zero Tolerance Youth Conference, which explored issues in the abuse of children and youth.