Vic religious education classes axed

Voluntary religious classes have been axed in Victorian schools and replaced with sessions on healthy relationships and understanding global cultures.

Respectful relationships education will be included in the curriculum from 2016 for prep to year 10 students, and will include ethics, traditions and family violence lessons.

"Teaching healthy, respectful relationships is key to preventing violence. Were including it in the curriculum so that every Victorian school teaches students these important skills and lessons," Family Violence Prevention Minister Fiona Richardson said on Friday.