‘Call 911 when parents fighting!’ – Dr Silvia M. Simmons tells students
On Friday October 10, 2014 the school observed National Episcopal Week under the theme ‘This Year the Lord’s Favour’ with a number of activities which included an early morning church service and a panel discussion which addressed the issues of teenage pregnancy and how domestic violence affects students.
Dr Silvia M. Simmons of the Family Support Network in the little time allotted her addressed the topic of domestic violence during which the children opened up and shared their experiences.
“All those would who would have seen domestic violence in your home put up your hands,” she said and many hands went up. Then she asked again, “How many of you would have seen daddy hit mommy?” and the number of hands that went up at that question caused the heads of teachers and others in the church to shake in dismay.
The expression on the faces of some of the children as the discussion progressed said enough of the effects the issue has had them. Young girls who were up and alert prior to the lively discussion suddenly started shaking their heads, smiles were wiped off their faces. Some others who actively participated were too ashamed or hurt about the issue and were clearly uneasy.
Dr Simmons was very tactful in her delivery on the topic which saw the students participating meaningfully, responding openly to questions and even winning themselves treats and gifts throughout the session.
They were given advice such as not to attempt to get in between a fight should it be happening with their parents or any older persons in the home circle, to call 911 and if in extreme cases that they cannot get to the phone, run out and call out to neighbours for help. “Do not attempt to get in between or you can end up getting hurt and we don’t want you to be hurt,” she advised.
They were also in discussion on the topic of bullying which was something that is prevalent in the school environment based on the comments made by the students.
Dr Simmon was not the other person there on Friday morning but also Police Officer Adrianne Grant Davis and Child Psychologist Ms Brenda Fahie.
Follow Us On
6 Responses to “‘Call 911 when parents fighting!’ – Dr Silvia M. Simmons tells students”
This woman S...ons is out of place and never tactful. Her's is a vendetta against men. Her question to the kids shows her bias as well - "who has seen daddy hit mommy". Mommy's hit daddy's too. No wonder she has never kept a job for any length of time.