Region Three teachers, students benefit from Domestic Violence Training
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 – Thirty teachers and students from various schools in Region Three, along with fifteen officers within the Department of Education, Region Three, are benefitting from a two-day Anti Domestic Violence workshop.
The workshop which began on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 is being hosted by the Department of Education, Region Three in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection at the Board Room of the Department of Education, Region Three, Vreed-en-Hoop
The Anti Domestic Violence workshop is being held under the theme ‘Breaking the silence through empowerment and education’ and is aimed at breaking barriers of reported and unreported domestic violence cases among teachers and children in the region’s education system.
The objectives are to foster and maintain self-confidence and self-worth among teachers and students, develop coping mechanisms and to acquaint participants with the relevant knowledge of the resource groups, agencies and various support services.
Prevention Programme and Education Officer within the Sexual Offenses and Policy Unit at the Ministry of Social Protection, Deirdre Ifill explained that domestic violence affects everyone and the ministry is willing and ready to work with victims as well as those who interested in reducing and if possible, eradicate the incidences of this scourge.
“The intention is to work with everyone, but it is key that we start with the teachers since at the end of the day, they are the ones who mold our youngsters. Also, we know that everyone is affected by domestic violence, from babies to adults. It is not easy to leave an abusive relationship and before you do there are many things to consider so we have a lot going on to help victims,” Ifill explained.
The Sexual Offenses and Policy Unit is a policy unit but also works with policy and legislation as it relates to gender based and sexual violence, offers psychosocial support to victims and survivors, provides training, sensitization and temporary assistance
Regional Education Officer (REO), Region Three, Annesta Douglas welcomed the workshop, noting that it supports the region’s mission to provide students with the best possible education available.
Douglas stated that it is important for the Education Department to host the domestic violence training with teachers, then learners so that those affected can receive the necessary treatment.
“We understand that there can be several factors that can impeded on our students receiving quality education such as domestic violence and we know that education in this area can change situations. Hence, we decided to empower our teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills so they can deal with the effects of domestic violence,” Douglas said.
The REO urged the participants to use the training as a tool to safeguard themselves against domestic violence.