Hobart high school students speak out to help stop family violence

MORE than 80 Hobart high school students attended a forum at Ogilvie High School to learn more about family violence and help stop it from happening.

First Class Constable Jo Fordham, left, Remy Bailey, First Class Constable Mel Thomas, Jessica Kruijver and First Class Constable Rowena Watling at Ogilvie High School’s forum on domestic violence. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

YOUNG people have an important role to play in spreading the message that family violence is not OK, Ogilvie High School students say.

About 80 students from schools around Hobart attended a youth forum on family ­violence yesterday.

The forum was organised by Ogilvie High School’s Z-Club — the youth arm of service and advocacy organisation Zonta Inter­national — before White Ribbon Day tomorrow.

Student Remy Bailey speaks to delegates at the youth forum on family ­violence. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Ogilvie Year 9 student Jessica Kruijver said it was a chance for students to learn more about family violence.

“We’re raising awareness to let people know that this does happen and that it needs to stop,” she said.

Fellow Ogilvie student Fraya Thompson said it was important to “keep the conversation going”.

“We can’t just leave it up to the adults in our lives — it’s our future,” she said.

According to its annual ­report, Tasmania Police recorded 3182 family violenceincidents and 1958 family arguments last financial year.

“One in four women will have experienced some sort of family violence,” First Class Constable Jo Fordham said.

Constable Fordham said events like yesterday’s forum were important.

“It’s important to get the message out — family ­violence against women is not OK.”

Education Department senior social worker Tamika Ross told the students that one of the main issues social workers in schools helped students with was trauma.

“And one of the key issues for trauma in young people is family violence,” she said.

Ogilvie High School students will also be involved in this year’s White Ribbon Walk in Hobart tomorrow. The walk, organised by the State Government, will focus on the importance of young people’s attitudes and behaviours in stopping violence against women.

Ogilvie student Remy ­Bailey said she was proud to be ­involved in helping stop family violence. “I always tell people about ... we should be talking about it,” she said.

For help, contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or 1800 RESPECT for family violence counselling.

The White Ribbon walk will start at St David’s Park tomorrow at 1pm.

Originally published as Hobart high school students speak out to help stop family violence