NSW Police Force has teamed up with NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, PCYC and the NSW Department of Education to launch an anti-violence program for young people across the state. Photo: Motortion.
NSW Police Force has launched a new anti-violence program to be delivered in thousands of schools across the state to combat youth violence.
The program will show a 10-minute video featuring influencers from various sporting codes who share their personal experiences and stance against violence.
The initiative was launched on Wednesday (24 August) in partnership with NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, PCYC and the NSW Department of Education.
The video will be played to thousands of young people, in juvenile justice centres and after-hours school-care settings, by the end of the year.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said several youth engagement strategies involving police would be delivered in schools across the state.
“We all have a common goal of wanting to see our young people achieve the very best life,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This program is about educating today’s youth and inspiring them to make good decisions by learning from the mistakes of others. The choices they make today will impact their futures.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said to prevent public acts of violence involving youth, a community approach was needed.
“We have been working on this campaign to put a stop to the incidents of violence that have played out on our streets and have had a considerable impact on community safety,” Commissioner Webb said.
“It supports our current youth engagement strategies, which are centred on prevention, intervention and diversion. The anti-violence program will be delivered by our Youth Engagement Officers who already attend schools across the state.
“The key to long-lasting change is working with young people and engaging them to ensure they make good decisions.”
Earlier this year, NSW Police’s Sporting Partnership Industry Program was launched with PCYC and sporting clubs to engage young people at risk of anti-social behaviour or criminal offending.
The anti-violence program is an evolution of the Sporting Partnership Industry initiative, which aims to divert at-risk youth into meaningful activities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said role models, sports personalities and successful young leaders were perfectly positioned to reach out and engage with young people and steer them on the right path.
“We know our police do a great job engaging with those at risk through a range of programs, but like the home environment, schools also play a role in shaping young people’s decisions as it’s where they spend much of their time,” Mr Toole said.
The program features well-known sporting influencers and ambassadors, including Sonny Bill Williams, Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers), Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers), Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Ivan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Chloe Dalton (Giants and Rugby Sevens), Monalisa Soliola (St George Illawarra Dragons) and Simaima Taufu (Paramatta Eels).
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