YORK schools are to get a special education toolkit to help tackle domestic and sexual violence.

City of York Council is sharing the Expect Respect toolkit, which includes lesson plans for each year from school from reception to Year 13, and gives teachers supporting information and resources, online activities and support for teachers.

Coun Janet Looker, cabinet member for education, said: “Schools are in a key position to raise the issue of domestic violence in a safe, structured, learning environment. I’m particularly pleased that the toolkit includes lesson plans for primary age children as relationship discussions are important at every age and can help children to seek safety and support if they are involved in a violent environment.”

The lessons are designed to be active, fun, engaging and challenging. The follow themes like assumptions about gender, power and equalities, changing beliefs and attitudes about men and women, resolving conflict, understanding domestic abuse is a crime and giving information about how to get help.

The toolkit is the latest step in the city’s bid for White Ribbon status to show its commitment to addressing violence against women.

The Expect Respect Educational Toolkit is a free and downloadable resource from womensaid.org.uk