An Australasian seminar on innovative and effective school based strategies for preventing child abuse and family violence is being held in Wellington, 13 February, 2006.

Manager of Police Youth Services Owen Sanders says schools are important social institutions that should be an important part of any strategy to reduce abuse and family violence.

"Schools need resources and support to help them deal with the often complex and difficult situations that arise from child abuse and family violence. This seminar will help ensure those involved in youth education are aware of the options available to them," says Owen.

The seminar is being organised by an interagency group representing the Youth Education Service of the New Zealand Police, Child, Youth and Family's Everyday Communities and the theatre group Applied Theatre Consultants.

Keynote speakers include Amster Reedy (Ngati Porou), Emeritus Professor Freda Briggs OA from the University of South Australia and Dr Penny Bundy from Griffith University in Australia.

Owen says a prestigious panel of experts will interact with colloquium members and answer questions about schools and child abuse and family violence.

The seminar includes a practical demonstration involving young people and the Everyday Theatre Group. There will also be a presentation on the Keeping Ourselves Safe programme, which currently has modules for school classes from Year 0 - 13, and information on the development of an Early Childhood Keeping Ourselves Safe module.

Attendance at the seminar is free but by invitation card only.

Owen says the organisers urge anyone interested in the role of schools in preventing family violence and child abuse to attend the colloquium.

Download PDF of Keeping Kids Safer Everyday (370KB)

For more information contact:
Owen Sanders
Manager Police Youth Education Service
Phone: 04 4707107
Email: owen.sanders@police.govt.nz