From term one, 2016 all students in years 7 to 10 across NSW will undertake mandatory lessons in the prevention of domestic violence.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced  that the new course would be delivered under the existing Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) syllabus.

He said domestic violence was a whole-of-community issue and it was critical that the Bathurst electorate community work together to prevent it.

Mr Gates agreed and said the Prevention of Domestic Violence Toolkit would assist teachers educate students.

“It’s a huge social issue that we’re seeing in the community and we all need to be more educated,” he said.

Mr Gates said PDHPE already covers relationship issues, and the addition of domestic violence was simply an extension of that.

“It’s another resource for teachers,” he said.

The tool kit will give students the ability to recognise forms of abuse and neglect that can affect children and families, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse and domestic violence. It will also allow them to understand the impact of this abuse and neglect.

The syllabus addition will teach students to identify situations at home in which forms of abuse may occur and suggest possible protective strategies.

Mr Gates said for students who live in a home with domestic violence, it could help them to recognise the gravity of their situation.

“It could give them the confidence that they need to seek help and support,” he said of the new learning material.

Mr Toole said teachers and schools play an important role in the community.

“They have the knowledge and experience to equip young people with the understanding and skills to help change attitudes and behaviours around domestic violence,” he said.

The new resource includes signs and symptoms of abuse, support available, as well as sample activities, including worksheets.