Young people educated on respectful relationships
Ten community projects which encourage young people to engage in respectful relationships will share in $2.3 million funding from the Australian Government.
The funding is part of round two of the Government’s $9.1 million Respectful Relationships Program, which aims to prevent violence against women.
The projects, which will operate in schools, sporting clubs, and community halls across the country, will teach young people about ethical behaviours and equip them with the skills necessary to engage in relationships based on mutual respect.
Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, said nearly one in three Australian women experience physical violence in their lifetime.
“The Rudd Government has zero tolerance when it comes to violence against women and their children.
“To prevent violence against women in the future, we need to change attitudes and behaviour. These programs will work with young people in schools and sporting clubs to give them skills to build and maintain respectful relationships for life,” Ms Plibersek said.
As part of the funding, the Government will also evaluate best practice Respectful Relationships projects, to find the best ways to change attitudes towards violence towards women and their children.
Investing in respectful relationship education demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to reduce violence against women.
The Australian Government, through COAG, is working with State and Territories to finalise a National Plan on Violence Against Women and their Children for release in May 2010.
| Organisation | Project | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Football League (national) | Respect and Responsibility education programs will be delivered within community sport settings across the nation to 16-21 year old participants involved in national, state and community football competitions | $400,000 |
| Baptist Community Services (NSW) | Project to teach Year Nine students in inner western Sydney, western Sydney, Penrith, Wollongong, and Wyong, about the importance of respectful relationships | $384,155 |
| Relationships Australia Canberra and regional NSW | LOVE BiTES program which teaches Year 10 students about domestic and family violence, sexual assault prevention, and maintaining respectful relationships | $205,500 |
| Swinburne University of Technology (VIC) | Program for Indigenous men who are at risk or involved in the juvenile justice system to change their beliefs about violent behaviour towards women | $245,000 |
| Kurbingui Youth Development Association (QLD) | Indigenous program in northern Brisbane to reduce family violence | $25,250 |
| Youth and Family Services Logan City (QLD) | Multi-faceted program targeting youth already involved in violent behaviour | $140,000 |
| UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide (SA) | Relationship education programs for at-risk students in the metropolitan and northern suburbs of Adelaide | $200,000 |
| Sexual Assault Resource Centre (WA) | Education and training project to teach both high school students and educators about respectful relationships | $400,000 |
| Australian Red Cross Society (WA) | Indigenous specific program for at-risk youth to build self-esteem | $48,210 |
| Youth and Family Focus Inc (TAS) | Project to educate and empower young people in Davenport and central Tasmania to make healthy relationship choices | $327,274 |
| Total | $2,375,389 |