Overnewton Anglican Community College is stepping up in the fight against family violence, with the launch of its Respectful Relationships program for 2018.
It is the second year the college has run the program, after it was awarded a $20,000 state government grant last year to be a leading school in the program.
The program came out of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, and aims to create a culture of respect and equality to prevent family violence for future generations.
The school recently hosted a community forum for more than 300 members of the school community, which was attended by local MP and minister for family violence Natalie Hutchins, author Jamila Rizvi, and representatives from Brimbank police.
Ms Hutchins spoke about the study she commissioned four years ago into domestic violence in the Keilor electorate, while also outlining the government’s approach to tackling domestic violence.
Acting Inspector John Clark said that there had been a recent addition of 400 investigators across the force to focus on family violence.
The need to better educate students on gender equality and encourage students to speak up when they see something wrong was reinforced throughout the night.
The school intends to hold more forums for the college community.
