A RESOURCE pack for schools hopes to avert domestic violence.

The teachers' guide by Wearside Domestic Violence Forum aims to promote caring relationships between young children, in the hope they will adopt such behaviour for the rest of their lives.

The pack contains guidelines for teachers and includes lesson plans for use in drama, art and other lessons.

It also has sections on human rights, gender stereotyping, exploring feelings and resolving conflict.

Other information includes spotting the signs that a child has witnessed domestic violence in the home.

Wearside Domestic Violence Forum recently appointed Sunderland City Councillor Elizabeth Bell as its chairwoman.

She takes over from Detective Chief Inspector Steve Wade, of Northumbria Police, who had to relinquish the post after being given new responsibilities with the force.