YOUNG theatre students are planning a trip to South America to raise awareness about the effects of domestic violence on children.

Members of Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans worked with Durham Police Constabulary to make a video on domestic violence from a youngster's view.

The video was reproduced and sent to every police force in England and every secondary school in County Durham to raise awareness of the issue and encourage youngsters seek help if faced with it themselves.

It has also been used in police, health service and education conferences, and broadcast on local television and radio.

During the project the group learned that police in Brazil handle domestic violence very differently than in the UK, with offenders facing deportation and corporal or even capital punishment.

The group now hopes to visit Brazil and see the system first hand, with a view to producing a documentary on how domestic violence affects street children living in slums.

The youngsters will be accompanied on the trip by a drama coach and Durham Police representative and will work with a translator and Brazilian police to ensure their safety.

They are now appealing for sponsorship, to boost funding from the police and King James I Community College, in Bishop Auckland, to pay for the trip.

Anyone who can help can contact BATH c/o King James I Community College, South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 7JZ.

Published: 18/06/2004