Programs prove effective
The Centre for Non Violence is thrilled with the Victorian government announcement that the Respectful Relationships program will be rolled out across schools and early years services.
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CNV understands the importance of promoting respectful relationships with children and young people and has been delivering the Solving the Jigsaw program for almost 20 years.
Jigsaw helps children deal with bullying and violence by resourcing teachers and schools to change from a culture of violence into a culture of well-being.
Solving the Jigsaw is a school-based violence prevention and well-being program that aims to reduce the incidence and impact of violence, bullying and abuse in children’s lives through facilitating social change.
We know that preventing family violence requires cultural change. Helping children learn about safe and respectful relationships from a young age not only shifts attitudes but creates additional safety.
Yesterday, Helen Leach published a letter in the Bendigo Advertiser expressing opposition to both the Respectful Relationships and Safe Schools programs. In contrast to the views expressed, CNV understands that delivering this evidence-based, age-appropriate content strengthens the safety of children and young people in our schools.
Delivering the Jigsaw program in schools has shown us the importance of providing safe spaces for children and young people to talk about issues that concern them.
The recent findings of the Royal Commission into Family Violence highlighted the urgent need for more people who work with children to be able to identify family violence. We know from delivering the Jigsaw program that support and professional learning for teachers and educators is vital for these types of programs to effectively provide early intervention.
Jude Di Manno, Centre for Non Violence
Double standards
The decision by Melbourne's Casey City Council to reject plans for the building of yet another mosque (this time in Narre Warren) was greeted with chants of "racism" and "Islamophobia". But what caught my interest was the fact that the large number of protesters (mostly pro-mosque) inside the council chambers for the meeting were nearly all carrying placards and signs.
It appears to me that if one council (Casey) allows signs and placards inside its chambers, whilst another council (City of Greater Bendigo) does not, then clearly there is a disparity, which begs the question: who is right and who is wrong in relation to this policy?
It could be argued that the Bendigo council had no option after the rowdy and totally unacceptable scenes of recent history where council members had to be escorted to safety by police, but then surely "one rule fits all" should apply in relation to every municipal local council?
Otherwise, we seem to be introducing by-laws and the like "willy nilly" as we go along? I would be interested to hear comments from our councillors in relation to this matter.
Eric Lakey, Bendigo
Search for answers
Recently I have had countless conversations with local residents disappointed in our public transport services and I too have experienced the frustration and uncertainty.
Our community is fed up with the delays, disruption, overcrowding and cancellations of our train service and deserves better. Locals say they do not care who is responsible for the problems, they just want to see them fixed.
So I have invited V/Line chief executive officer Gary Liddle to meet local passengers who have been let down by disruptions to vital train services and discuss possible solutions. Mr Liddle’s office has indicated that he will visit in early June and I look forward to confirming further details.