The nib foundation has announced its support for charity, Got Your Back Sista (GYBS), to roll out a 10-week self-defence program in the Hunter region.
The program, called 'Stand Tall Sista for Teens', is aimed at educating teenage students on healthy relationships. It was developed in response to the high rate of violence against women, with one-in-three having experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
Students of WEA Hunter's Alesco Senior Colleges are taking part in the program that teaches the basics of self-defence, how to scan an environment, and how to identify the red flags of an unhealthy relationship.
Founder and CEO of GYBS, Melissa Histon, said the program will help students build confidence and learn techniques to better protect themselves if faced with a dangerous situation.
"Thanks to our partnership with nib foundation, we're able to deliver a targeted program that allows us to educate young people about what to do if they feel unsafe and what a healthy relationship looks like," said Mrs Histon.
"Along with a number of self-defence tips and techniques, the girls will also learn to understand 'power presence' through simple body language changes, helping to build their confidence in everyday situations."
According to executive officer, Amy Tribe, nib foundation is proud to support the program. "It's an unfortunate reality where woman need to be aware of the possible physical and domestic dangers that might occur when out in public or in the home," she said.
"This program is an opportunity to provide a positive support network for young girls and connect them to the right services if they do find themselves in a dangerous situation."
The Stand Tall program is delivered by GYBS's qualified instructor, Carly Reasbeck.
Participants are taught basic skills on how to protect themselves and what to do if threatened, grabbed, assaulted, or your personal space is encroached.
Principal of Alesco Senior Colleges, Therese Pantalone, said that the program was an important addition to the 2019 curriculum.
"Many of our young people are from diverse backgrounds and some have grown up in and around unhealthy relationships. We believe that this program will certainly help these young students to understand what respectful relationships without violence should look like," said MsPantalone.
"We also see this as a great opportunity to provide students with an opportunity to engage in a physical activity that we believe will not only build their self-confidence but also build a collegiate teamwork with their peers."