By ANEEKA SIMONIS
MANY childrens’ first learning experiences are in the home.
Actions, words and even silence can create lasting impressions on their understanding of relationships and what it means to be a family.
Domestic violence is often a topic saved for discussion between adults.
But what do our kids think about violence in the home?
Children are increasingly present or victim to violence. Statistics indicate children were present at more than 40 per cent of family violence incidents in 2013/14.
The Gazette sat down with a handful of Pakenham Consolidated School students who took part in a family violence prevention campaign ahead of White Ribbon Day.
Each student shared their perceptions of family violence and what actions are unacceptable in relationships.
Kobe: If people get married, I don’t understand why they have to split. They should love each other forever and shouldn’t fight with each other or hit each other.
David: Families should be nice and give lots of hugs.
Holly-Jane: It’s when parents hurt each other or hurt their children or leave them home alone. They need to talk to each other and change.
Christina: You have to be careful with each other.
Mahkayla: It’s about no hitting and playing nicely.
Ava: It’s when families don’t get along and are violent toward each other. They need to go to counselling and fix their problems so they can be happy again.
Bella: Family should always be there for you when you are sad and they will never leave you. Friends come and go but family is forever.
