Steer clear

YOUNG women at Cranbourne Secondary College were taught how to walk away from violence last week.
The Victorian Government’s Live no Fear program visited the school and it had a strong message for students.
Acting regional director for South East Metropolitan Region, Department of Justice and Regulation Andrea Lynch spoke about the program and urged women to think before they act.
“The best way for young people to avoid violent or dangerous situations is to step back and think about the consequence of their actions,” she said.
The program, which is run by professional hip hop dance teacher Jacinda Richards and actor and martial artist Rebecca Mezei, involves interactive workshops during the session.
The visitors spoke to the students about their own experiences with challenging sitations and guided them through life-like scenarios.
The ‘Live No Fear’ program delivers an evidence-based workshop that empowers young women to consider the consequences of their actions and be accountable for their behaviours.
Ms Lynch said that statistics showed that in the last 12 months, 27 per cent of young drinkers aged 12 to 17 had verbally abused someone after drinking alcohol.
Ten per cent had either hit someone or had a fight. Around eight per cent had also been in trouble with police after drinking.
She said the Live no Fear program empowered its audience with tools to help them avoid conflict.
‘Live No Fear’ is targeted at young women between 15 and 17 and to date has been delivered at 45 schools and community centres across Victoria.