October is an opportunity to learn more about mental health and respectful relationships.
On October 10, Sergeant Mark Gawronski, Officer in Charge of Eidsvold Police and Acting Sergeant Danielle Loftus from Wide Bay Burnett District Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU) had the opportunity to engage with students in Years 9 to 12 at Eidsvold State School about the Love Bites program.
Sergeant Gawronski and he said he was very impressed with the students level of participation.
“I believe the Love Bites program will immensely help students,” Sergeant Gawronski said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing close contact with the students as the Eidsvold Adopt-a-Cop.”
Love Bites is a respectful relationship education program that covers topics relating to:
- Domestic and family violence including violence against women and children, rights and responsibilities, abuse in a relationship, different kinds of abusive behaviour, being a bystander and attitudes/beliefs and;
- Sexual violence including unwritten sex rules/victim blaming, truths and myths about sexual assault, defining right and wrong, and active by-standing.
Feedback from the participants was positive and highlighted they gained a better understanding about:
- How to get help and support;
- Laws;
- Real life examples;
- How common abuse is;
- Respectful relationships;
- Consent and;
- General information
Given that it was also World Mental Health Day, students shared some of the things they do to reduce stress and improve their well-being, including:
- Going for a run/walk;
- Listening to music;
- Playing guitar;
- Reading;
- Yoga;
- Playing games;
- Reading affirmations/quotes;
- Cooking;
- Spending time with a child and;
- Being with a pet.
Acting Sergeant Loftus’ role on the day was to facilitate delivery of the program in partnership with external agencies including Nicole Blackley from Wide Bay Sexual Health, school based youth health nurse Laine Collins and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advanced health worker Gerrald Lasserre.
Police working across the Wide Bay Burnett District Vulnerable Persons Unit prioritise partnerships based on prevalent issues and focus on preventing and reducing domestic and family violence occurring and mental health concerns within our communities.
There are a number of external support services available that police can offer a referral to.
We look forward to hearing more about the creative messages the participants will share within their school community and encourage them to make positive choices about communication and relationships.