Schools make pledge to 'never stay silent' on domestic violence

Both Greenisland Primary and Carrickfergus Grammar were given the ‘Safe School’ award by Women’s Aid ABCLN after making the Safe Place campaign pledge.The local branch of the charity covers the Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey areas.Greenisland Primary School principal, Liam McGuckin was presented with the award last week.The school has been working with Women’s Aid to raise awareness and equip teachers to recognise, respond and support children living with domestic violence. Michelle McIlwrath from Women’s Aid ABCLN said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with teachers and pupils at Greenisland Primary School. “Staff have received Safe School training enabling them to effectively respond to disclosures of abuse and provide a Safe Place for anyone affected by domestic abuse to confidentially access information and seek support.“We believe the onus to address domestic violence is on all of us. Through Safe School everyone can play their part.”Meanwhile, Carrickfergus Grammar has also been working closely with the charity as part of the campaign.This included Safe School training for staff alongside a ­programme for pupils called ‘Heading for Healthy Relationships’. A spokesperson for the school said: “One in four women experience domestic violence in their lives and the number of cases reported against men has increased by 40 percent on the last nine years. “This issue impacts all of us – pupils and staff - and we are committed to providing a safe place for anyone affected by domestic violence.”Other Safe Schools in the east Antrim area include Abbey Community College, Belfast High School, and Earlview Primary School.