Hawkesbury high schools host Hawkesbury White Ribbon Cup in bid to reduce domestic violence

Every high school in the Hawkesbury will send their male students and teachers to compete in the Cup, where the message is that violence against women is never acceptable.

Windsor High School will host the cup this year, and its deputy Principal Steve Smith said the schools were serious about doing their bit to reduce domestic violence.

“If you are going to make change, you must do it where you are able to, and that is with kids,” he said.

“You need to send a message that domestic violence is not alright, no matter the circumstances, and in schools you have an effective chance to make change.”

Last year, a handful of high schools participated in a similar event at Colo High School.

Smith said he was pleased all high schools in the Hawkesbury had decided to join the Cup.

“In truth, students from every school in the Hawkesbury will in some way have been exposed to domestic violence,” he said.

“Role modelling is a powerful thing, and if these lessons are being learned at home, the students need to know it is not normal or respectful or healthy behaviour.”

Smith said Windsor high School was an accredited White Ribbon school. The accreditation means the White Ribbon Foundation has recognised the school is taking steps to reduce domestic violence.

“Part of the pledge we do here, we teach young males about respecting women,” he said.

“Part of that is running dedicated events to send the message to our students.”