RICHMOND High School marked White Ribbon Day with a public display of white ribbons circling the school fence.
The principal, Cliff Ralph, said his school aimed to educate boys and young men that they owed everyone, including every woman, respect and that violence against women was never justified; was never okay.
‘‘It’s a sad reflection of the values that some men hold towards women,’’ Mr Ralph said.
‘‘We want to get all men behind this message: It’s not okay to hit women.’’
Richmond High’s head welfare teacher Katherine Jones said the school began the campaign with a white ribbon display at its Monday morning assembly.
‘‘All male staff took the pledge against domestic violence; it was a moving moment,’’ Ms Jones said.
‘‘Mr Ralph gave a powerful address, pointing out how high domestic violence was in the Hawkesbury.
‘‘Some girls talked about what respect meant to them.
‘‘We also had some of the senior boys discuss their survey of other boys and staff about what respect meant.’’
This Friday, senior students from Richmond High will visit local primary schools and convene workshops on respect and non-violence with year 6 pupils.
Mr Ralph said educating the next generation against domestic violence was as important a role for schools as teaching basic skills.
He said he was alerted to Hawkesbury’s high rate of domestic violence when he and other principals attended a conference with local police.
‘‘Senior officers pointed this out to us and encouraged us to educate students that domestic violence was never acceptable,’’ Mr Ralph said.
‘‘Unfortunately there is an idea of male privilege running through our society; that women are in some ways inferior to men.
‘‘We are trying to change that notion.’’
He also encouraged students to come forward to report any difficult situations they were in.
‘‘We have counsellors and a head teacher of welfare they can talk to,’’ Mr Ralph said.
‘‘As principal, I would decide on the best way we would intervene.’’
Domestic Violence Counselling Service: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277