‘First of its kind’ domestic abuse initiative to be offered to all Northumbria schools
25th March 2019
Schools throughout Northumbria have been given the opportunity to take part in a ‘first of its kind’ initiative developed to empower young people to speak out about domestic abuse and promote healthy relationships.
Launched today (Monday 25 March) ‘Operation Encompass: The Next Steps’ is an innovative collaboration between Operation Encompass, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Northumbria Police and Barnardo’s.
It aims to build on the original Operation Encompass initiative which was devised in 2011 to ensure better communication between the police and schools following a police attended domestic abuse incident.
The new project will establish a team of School Safeguarding Liaison Officers responsible for raising awareness of domestic abuse to all staff and pupils. It hopes to help young people to identify healthy and unhealthy behaviours in their own personal relationships.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, who is also a patron of the Operation Encompass charity, said: “To have the opportunity to build on the extremely valuable work of the original Operation Encompass project is fantastic news for Northumbria. Prevention starts with education and I hope this project will make positive steps in breaking the cycle of domestic abuse.”
Elisabeth Carney-Haworth, Co-founder of Operation Encompass, said: “This project is a natural progression for Operation Encompass. It acknowledges that children can be victims in their own right and seeks to empower them so that they can shape their own future relationships. We’re thankful to have so many schools throughout Northumbria engaged and wanting to make a difference.”
Barnardo’s Assistant Director, Emma Ramsay, said: “Barnardo’s are really excited to be part of this innovative project. With one in five children affected by or exposed to domestic abuse, the enhanced support on offer through schools to children, young people and their families is a significant step towards helping address this harmful and damaging issue.”
ENDS
For more information about Operation Encompass visit www.operationencompass.org
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