Every school in Ballarat is equipping students with the tools they need to build healthy and respectful relationships grounded in equality, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today visited Ballarat High School to announce that all government, Catholic and independent schools in the region are now signed up to the Government's Respectful Relationships program.
This milestone makes Ballarat the first major regional centre to have 100 per cent uptake of the program in schools. It forms a crucial part of the Labor Government's world-leading 'saturation model' being rolled out in Ballarat - which brings together all parts of the community in a coordinated effort to prevent family violence.
These schools join more than 2,000 Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools across the state signed up to the program - to help embed a culture of respect and gender Equality across their entire school community.
Schools are supported with startup funding, assistance implementing the initiative into their curriculum, classroom resources and training for teachers.
A recent Respectful Relationships evaluation found that the program significantly improved social and emotional skills. Students reported having a better understanding of their feelings and emotions, were more able to cope with challenges and could express their needs more clearly.
Since its launch in 2016, the Labor Government has invested $129 million to support the roll out of Respectful Relationships, including $7.8 million over four years through the women's safety package announced in May last year.
The Government is continuing to deliver the women's safety package and recommendations made in the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence.
For more information on the Respectful Relationships program visit www.vic.gov.au/respectful-relationships.
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"Victoria is leading the nation through our Respectful Relationships initiative, which is supporting schools to embed a culture of respect and equality across their entire school community."
"This program is part of a broader community effort to prevent family violence - and I commend schools in Ballarat for playing a key role in this nation-leading change that's fostering respect and gender equality."
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins
"Every child deserves to grow up in a community where respect and equality are the norm - together we can break the cycle of family violence and stop it before it starts, creating a safer future for generations to come."
As stated by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
"We need a whole of community approach to prevent Family Violence in Ballarat. Our Respectful Relationships program plays an integral role in supporting students in understanding the importance of gender equality."
As stated by Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
"Preventing family violence starts with changing attitudes - and that change is happening right here in our local schools."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"Our region has been demanding we do more to end violence against women and the uptake of this program is not just inspiring - but it is a model for every community across Victoria."
