Motion no: 19
Domestic Violence and Abuse has long been a scourge on Northern Irish society, with statistics showing that the impact of the pandemic has served only to exacerbate the issue.
Congress acknowledges fully the severe negative impact caused by Domestic Violence and Abuse on the adult survivors in our society but also recognises that responsibility must be taken to address this issue in terms of the effect it has on our children and young people, both now and into the future.
Congress welcomes the introduction of Operation Encompass but recognises that this is a reactive measure.
It is in the interests of our children and young people to support this initiative with a robust and preventative approach.
Congress, therefore, calls upon the ICTU to campaign for:
(i) Minimum agreed age-appropriate content for Relationships and Sexuality Education which addresses the issues of domestic abuse and healthy relationships.
(ii) Specialist training and support for teachers that enables and equips them to deliver a Relationships and Sexuality Education curriculum which addresses the needs of this society and empowers our young people to make informed choices and effect change in their own lives.
