Author and publisher, Jayneen Sanders, in partnership with FVREE and Anglicare Victoria, have developed Hope – a story book and resource that addresses family violence in a way that is appropriate for children.

Hope tells the story of a child experiencing family violence, and is written to provide children in family violence homes with a sense of hope and to lessen traumatic effects of their own living situations. The book aims to reassure children that family violence is not their fault, and that they should be able to discuss their concerns and worries about family violence with any trusted adult (e.g. teachers, carer, police, and other family members).

Hope was developed to support adults on how to provide a safe and supportive response when children share their experience of family violence. The book emphasises that children are never to blame for family violence and that the accountability lies with the person choosing to use violence.

Hope includes a Safety Plan developed by FVREE that can be used by health professionals working with children, early years educators, school teachers and any family members or friends who might know a child that may be experiencing family violence.

Proceeds from the sale of this book, through the Level Playground website, will go into FVREE Primary Prevention projects and activities, including Level Playground.