Fórsa has sought discussions with the Department of Education seeking the introduction of a domestic violence policy and menstrual health policy in schools.

The claims were formally raised at the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) IR forum last month, and the Department has agreed to bi-lateral engagement but stressed they would be mindful of central guidance and government positions.

Fórsa official Shane Lambert explained that the union sought to establish these policies following extensive research of our members on both items.

“We know these issues are important to our members. They have told us in their thousands through their participation in union-led surveys,” he said.

Shane called on the Department to lead by example and confront stigma by developing these policies.

“The education is a sector has a predominantly female workforce and holds significant influence in the lives of all students, especially girls and young women. We have an opportunity here to establish the education sector as a role mode when dealing with the issues of domestic abuse and menstrual health. These are workplace issues, and we must establish supports for our members,” he said.

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