This is a programme run in schools for Year 12 students and is presented by the New Zealand Police Education Instructors.

On the 16th of September our Year 12 students took part in the ‘LOVES ME NOT’ programme. This is a programme run in schools for Year 12 students and is presented by the New Zealand Police Education Instructors. Carrie Hamilton from Oamaru worked with myself (Holly Chapman) to lead the students through a workshop designed to support students in managing healthy relationships.

The Programme is presented by the Police but Instigated by the ‘Sophie Elliot Foundation’. Many of you may know the story of Sophie Elliot, a Dunedin girl who was murdered by her boyfriend. Her mother Lesley Elliot set up the The Sophie Elliott Foundation; which aims to cause a profound shift in New Zealand’s attitude towards relationship violence – one that has the next generation recognise and reject all signs of abuse, power and control.

The Key messages of the workshop are:

 Abuse is never OK
 I can do things to prevent abuse
 It’s OK to ask for help
 I can make things better for healthy relationships
 I know about consent for sex – only “yes” means “yes”

At East Otago High School, we feel it is our responsibility to provide this learning opportunity to our students. We pride ourselves on producing confident, responsible citizens who show respect and motivation to live the best life they can.

Our students were incredibly respectful during the workshop and showed a mature attitude towards this sensitive subject. One student said that the best thing about the workshop was... "Learning the early warning signs and the steps to take to make sure my relationships and my friends and families are safe and healthy ones."