Pupil referral unit girls help Tower Hamlets campaign against domestic violence

Girls at a pupil referral unit in London’s East End have produce a leaflet for Tower Hamlets council’s campaign to stamp out violence against women.

Students and teachers on the BTEC health and social care course at Stepney Green’s Harpley Inclusion Centre came up with the leaflet at a conference about youth participation in tackling domestic violence against women and girls.

“I knew what physical abuse was,” one of the pupils explained.

“But I didn’t know about emotional abuse, which in some ways it’s more hurtful—you go through stress, depression and everything.”

The pupils had to launch a health campaign and produce materials as part of their course. The leaflet was created with the council’s Domestic Violence team.

Harpley’s Headteacher John Watkin was full of praise for his pupils.

“Their leaflet tackles a highly sensitive issue direct and sympathetic,” he said.

“The education of these girls has, at some time in the past, been badly disrupted.

“But they are now back on track and working hard to get the best possible start to their futures after leaving school.”

The girls want to continue their campaigning and feel strongly that their work should be made available to all young people in the East End.