Wellbeing

Angela Barker Visit

On Tuesday all of the Year 9 students were fortunate enough to hear 2011 Young Victorian of the Year, Angela Barker speak about a fateful evening seventeen and a half years ago that forever changed her life, her parents’ and younger brother’s lives.

In March 2002 Angela, who then was 16 years old and in Year 11 at Benalla College, was brutally assaulted by her ex-boyfriend.  She was left with horrific injuries and her parents, Ian and Helen, were told that she would remain in a ‘vegetative state’ for the remainder of life.

Through tremendous determination on her part, the love and support of her parents, friends and carers, Angela now lives independently in Melbourne and works for the National Australia Bank and also is a White Ribbon ambassador. White Ribbon is an organisation that aims to raise awareness, particularly among young people, about men’s violence against women.

Angela’s message to the students was simple – violence is never acceptable and to girls particularly, leave your abusive boyfriend now!  “You should get out – and get out quick. Do it in a public setting. Respect yourself, back yourself, and trust your natural instincts”.

Angela’s talk complements the I Like, Like You (ILLY) program that all students in Year 9 are completing this semester.

Vince Branigan

Wellbeing