The program was developed by EASE, a domestic violence support service based in Bendigo, in response to the devastating statistic that 25 per cent of children and young people in Australia witness violence in their homes.

Launched in 1997 in two local schools, Jigsaw today operates throughout Victoria and includes more than 80 schools and 20,000 children. Importantly, 650 teachers have taken part in comprehensive training programs.

EASE also works with women and children escaping or experiencing domestic violence, with young women aged between 15 and 25 who are pregnant or parenting and homeless or in housing crisis, and with women with drug and alcohol issues.

For a more detailed look at Solving the Jigsaw, please click here.

For students, Solving the Jigsaw aims to promote a culture, language and understanding that encourages discussion and action on violence, bullying, abuse, depression and anxiety.

It seeks to develop skills in conflict resolution, assertive communication, decision-making and anger-management, and promote increased self-knowledge, awareness, optimism and resilience.

It also reduces the effects of trauma on young children and young people and strengthens relationships between students and school, and students and caregivers.

For school communities, the program aims to develop curriculum-based strategies in consultation with schools, strengthen the school environment, address identified needs of schools, and link schools with external support agencies.

For parents, it seeks to increase awareness of the effects of family violence and bullying on children, strengthen the parent-child relationship, and develop a positive outlook and personal links between parents and schools.

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