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Peaceful and Compassionate Futures: Positive Relationships as an Antidote to Violence

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Positive Relationships

Abstract

Many violent acts are perpetrated in the context of relationships. These relationships are affected by social inequalities and one who has power in a society. It follows that violence needs to be addressed at several levels including changing social mores and organisational behaviour as well as understanding and developing the skills of healthy relationships. This chapter presents two approaches to building positive relationships and reducing violence in schools and homes. The first explores the journey a school took as it sought to plant the ‘peace virus’ in its community. Commitment was made to a broad approach that emphasised the importance of relationships and ensured congruence between policy and the social ethos of the school. A sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of others was a part of the curriculum, and opportunities were provided for student leadership. The second looks at a violence prevention programme for young people called LOVE BiTES that is being implemented in schools around Australia. Both approaches are based on international evidence of factors that contribute to the development of more harmonious families and communities.

Robyn Hromek is an Honorary Associate of Sydney University and an educational psychologist working in Sydney schools. She is also an author, game designer and on the advisory board of the Wellbeing Australia network.

Angela Walsh has been developing and delivering training in sexual assault and family violence prevention programmes across Australia for 10 years for the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and Women’s Health (North Coast Area Health Service), NSW. She has also worked as a child protection counsellor and support worker for women escaping family violence.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Robyn Hromek

  2. National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Angela Walsh

  3. Women’s Health (North Coast Area Health Service), Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Angela Walsh

Authors
  1. Robyn Hromek
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  2. Angela Walsh
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robyn Hromek .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Western Sydney, Milperra, Australia

    Sue Roffey

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Hromek, R., Walsh, A. (2012). Peaceful and Compassionate Futures: Positive Relationships as an Antidote to Violence. In: Roffey, S. (eds) Positive Relationships. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2147-0_3

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