A mother campaigning to educate teenagers about domestic violence is thrilled about Government plans to include the subject in the national curriculum.
Jennifer McDermott, the founder of a domestic violence charity set up in in memory of her daughter – who was murdered by a violent partner – said the lessons could save lives.
She has been meeting with education officers to stress the importance of raising awareness about the issue.
The lessons are set to be introduced in 2011.
Mrs McDermott said: “It is important to get the message across to young children, even those in primary school.”
Cassandra McDermott, 19, was murdered by Maidstone United footballer Mario Celaire.
The 31-year-old beat her unconscious and left her under a duvet to choke to death in October 2001.
He also attempted to murder his next girlfriend Kara Hoyte by attacking her with a hammer.
He was initially found not guilty of Miss McDermott’s murder, but was later convicted under new double jeopardy laws after more evidence came to light.
He was given two life sentences earlier this year.
Mrs McDermott set up the Cassandra Learning Centre (CLC) to help young people involved in an abusive relationships.
The probation worker funds the charity with her own money and is based at the Family Justice Centre in Croydon.
She has also been given space at Croydon College to run a drop-in centre for teenagers.
The CLC is in talks with colleges in Wandsworth and Sutton to provide a similar service for troubled students.
Mrs McDermott said: “Cassie got into the relationship when she was 14, I wish there was something like the CLC where she could have gone and said, ‘this is what is happening, what do I do?’.
“I had a good relationship with Cassie, she was the baby in the family and we were close but she never talked to me about what was happening.
“Once she came home in the early hours of the morning and said she had been at the hospital and broken her wrist.
“I just accepted her explanation. In court it came out Mario was responsible.”
Mrs McDermott said she did not realise how abusive Celaire was towards her daughter until she heard evidence during his trial.
The CLC will be running its drop-in service at Croydon College, three days a week from January.
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