Empowering change through symbolic white ribbons was the main theme of the week at Lucas Heights Community School.
November officially marks the annual White Ribbon event - a time when communities unite to stand up, speak up and act to say 'no' to gendered violence in Australia.
Lucas Heights Community School has a long-standing commitment to supporting White Ribbon initiatives. Activities this year included processing statistics, evidence-based strategies, and lessons on gender stereotyping.
It gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills focusing on a cause they are passionate about.
Post-lockdown, it united students and re-launched its strong support networks.
Deputy principal Julie Rogers said the event strengthened a culture of respect and equality.
"This is why, we as school executive, are in full support of empowering our young leaders to educate their peers and have their voice heard," she said.
"Given the year we have all just lived through we felt it critical that we come together as a community and continue the support extended virtually in lockdown to face-to-face support now we are all back together on site."
She said the school, led by its new year 12 captains, took initiative to engage their peers.
"They have wanted to step up and show leadership. We have had a week of events and activities each morning, and it all culminated with our bigger event, which was also very inclusive with students from the support unit."
Students had the chance to chat with White Ribbon ambassador Dale Palmer, an advocate of Enough Is Enough.
School captain, Taylor Angelis, said one of the biggest issues was stigma.
"We hope that through running educational and support programs in our school that we can empower young people to have a better understanding of domestic violence, so that they themselves can be someone safe and understanding for others in our community to reach out to," Taylor said.
Fellow captain Jesse Cross said the topic of violence against women shouldn't be taboo.
"Talking about violence against women is something that people want to distance themselves from," Jesse said.
"We are proud to be able to bring light to this ever-present issue, and take action to put a hold to this behaviour with our generation."
Prefect student Jordyn Rendell added that education was a powerful tool in minimising social crimes and empowering victims.
Key event leaders also included students Sienna Cox and Kellie Miller.
