Downpatrick Bad Romance Seminar Attended By Education Minister

THE South East Domestic Violence Partnership (SEDVP) in conjunction with the Down District Community Safety Partnership held the Bad Romance seminar in The St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick today (Wednesday 23rd November). The seminar explored the issue of abuse in young people's romantic relationships.

At the event, post-primary school pupils across the district were given recognition for participating in the healthy relationships poster competition which aimed to raise awareness of the domestic violence issue.

Education Minister John O'Dowd with Sheila Simons, Chairwoman of South East Domestic Violence Partnership and Cllr Michael Coogan, Chairman of the Down District Community Safety Partnership with competition winners Rachel, Aine, Hannah, Ciara and Bronagh.

SEDVP Chairwoman Sheila Simons said, "The education of young people is one of the most vital and important steps in the process of eliminating domestic violence and abuse. We need to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that foster an acceptance of abusive relationships by intervention as early as possible."

Education Minister John O'Dowd presented five lucky winners with Argos vouchers for producing the best posters.

Rachel Martin who came first in the competition will have her poster professionally produced and distributed across the district as part of an ongoing campaign against domestic violence and abuse.

Councillor MIchael Coogan, Down District Community Safety Partnership Chairman said, "Domestic violence and abuse is a serious and widespread problem resulting in devastating consequences for victims and their families. 75% of girls and 50% of boys have reported that they have experienced some form of emotional abuse. It is important we keep raising awareness on these issues to encourage young people to rethink their views of violence, abuse or controlling behaviour in relationships and direct them to places for help and support."

Minister O'Dowd said, "No one deserves to experience violence or abuse and there is no place for behaviours of this kind in ant relationship. I and my Department recognise the important role that education has in tackling domestic violence and abusive relationships, which is why funding is provided to support teachers in identifying and helping children at school who may present with feelings of being unsafe at home. Furthermore, the curriculum covers, from a young age, issues such as developing respectful relationships and avoiding and resolving conflict.

"The Bad Romance initiative is an excellent way of encouraging young people to step forward and say that abuse and violence are unacceptable and that they should be tackled - not ignored. I commend the SEDVP and the Down District Community Safety Partnership for delivering this scheme and my congratulations go to not only the winning entries in the poster competition, but to all young people who who got involved."

At the event, presentations were given by the SEDVP. Queen's University Belfast, the PSNI and Women's Aid.

(If you need to talk to someone regarding domestic violence, contact the free 24-hour domestic violence helpline number on 0800 917 1414. This number is not traceable.)

Winners of the competition were: Rachel Martin and Bronagh Fitzsimons, St Colmcille's High School, Crossgar, Hannah Beattie, Down High School, Aine Black, St Mary's High School, and Ciara Murray, Shimna Integrated College, Newcastle.