Children and parents across Scotland are set to learn that violence prevention begins at home, thanks to a leaflet launched today (Monday, 19 March) by the Violence Reduction Unit and Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People.

The leaflet, which details simple, everyday ways for parents to help to reduce the risk of violence in a child’s life, is part of the Violence Reduction Unit’s early years initiative, which aims at preventing violence through education and attitudinal change.

It is hoped that the leaflet, designed by the Violence Reduction Unit and supported by Kathleen Marshall, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, will give parents the knowledge to help bring up their children to understand that violence is preventable rather than a fact of life.

More than 400,000 children will take home the leaflet, which was launched by Ms Marshall and Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan, Head of the Violence Reduction Unit.
Det Chief Supt Carnochan explained:

“Early years initiatives form a key part of our work and we aim to support parents and those delivering early years learning, people who we believe are vital in giving children the skills which will protect them from becoming involved in violence.

“We want to reach out to parents and children and show them that violence is not an inevitable part of life, it is preventable – and that starts early. It’s never too soon to learn.”

The Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Kathleen Marshall, said she was delighted steps were being taken to encourage parents to help youngsters towards a brighter, violence-free future,
and that she gave the leaflet her wholehearted backing.

“If we want a peaceful society, we need to teach children, by word and example, that violence is not a good way of solving problems. Peaceful families will make everyone happier and will also help lead to more peaceful communities.”

The leaflet received an unofficial launch last week from Karyn McCluskey, co-director of the Violence Reduction Unit, at Maddiston Primary School, Polmont, where it was welcomed by parents and teachers alike.
Headteacher Helen Granville said:

“The leaflet is a fantastic idea and Maddiston is proud to be involved with its launch.” In addition to leaflets being handed to every schoolchild, the initiative will also see posters carrying the messages sent to doctor’s surgeries and libraries across the country.