Drama puts teens in role of bystander to throw spotlight on violence

HIGH school students are learning how they can interrupt and stop cycles of relationship violence through a new and innovative play.

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West has received state government funding to deliver the US-developed play You the Man to high school students across the region.

Acting chief executive officer Justine Devonport said the one-man show used a series of dramatic sequences to show young people how they, as a bystander, could respond when violence was unfolding in front of them.

“The performance shows the impact of an unhealthy relationship on people, including families and friends,” Ms Devonport said.

“It models different ways of responding as a bystander.”

The play is followed by an expert-led panel discussion where students can ask questions about relationship violence.

Western Heights College lawyer Damien Pitts, who is employed by Barwon Community Legal Service, said the play would help students understand healthy and unhealthy relationships.

“It’s really important that kids from an early age have a strong grasp of what is a healthy relationship and what isn’t,” Mr Pitts said.

“And it’s just as important that, if they’re unfortunate enough to find themselves in a bad relationship or have friends who are, they know there’s help available and where to go.”