International Education Agency PNG launched its first ever Domestic, Community and School Area Violence policy at Koroboro International School in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
The policy caters for staff and students who are victims of, or witness, domestic and any other form of violence.
The IEA has always held a zero tolerance policy towards violence of any kind.
In recent years, it has become increasingly obvious that the level of domestic and community violence within the country is alarmingly high, thus impacting the school negatively in several ways.
Staff who are victims of violence are both physically and emotionally unable to work effectively while students who witness violence are often traumatised with negative effects on their learning.
A key element of the policy includes dealing in a constructive and positive way in cases in schools.
Training and support materials for staff affected will be implemented while the development of compulsory teaching units will be conducted to assist and educate children on violence.
The policy also outlines penalties that will be imposed on perpetrators of violence.
The policy has been welcomed by both students and teachers and will be implemented immediately.
IEA PNG is committed to contributing to long term cultural changes to counter domestic, community and school area violence.