Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) has been successful in securing funding through La Trobe University's Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project — a national initiative focused on strengthening the evidence base for what works to prevent sexual violence in Australia.
The funding will support the pilot and evaluation of a new program, Parents as Partners in Prevention (PAPS), which equips parents and caregivers with the tools to have open, respectful and age-appropriate conversations with their children about consent, gender, sexuality and relationships. The launch of the program comes amid growing public debate about how young people are learning about these topics—fuelled in part by the popularity of Netflix's Adolescence series.
"We've seen how shows like Adolescence prompt valuable conversations, but they also highlight just how many parents feel unequipped," said Kit McMahon, CEO of WHISE.
Designed as a free, four-part course, PAPS supports parents and caregivers of Year 7 and 8 students to have honest, age-appropriate and respectful conversations at home. It is being trialled across six cohorts in Victoria throughout 2025 and 2026.
"Parents are often navigating these topics without a roadmap—especially when it comes to complex issues like online media, pornography, or the influence of the 'manosphere'. PAPS gives them the tools and confidence to support their kids and reinforce the respectful relationships education already happening in schools," said Ms McMahon.
The program is a joint initiative between WHISE, La Trobe University, Sexual Health Victoria, Talking the Talk Healthy Sexuality Education, and South East Community Links. It unpacks key concepts including affirmative consent, gender inequality as a driver of violence, and sex-positive approaches to communication. PAPS is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and designed to be practical, inclusive and engaging.
Caroline Mulcahy, CEO Sexual Health Victoria says early, open conversations at home are critical to countering harmful or inaccurate messages young people receive elsewhere.
"What teens see on screen isn't always healthy, safe or accurate—but it's often where they're getting their information," said Ms Mulcahy.
"We know that age-appropriate conversations with trusted adults can dispel myths, build confidence and resilience, and reduce the risk of harm. This program supports this learning."
The PAPS pilot and evaluation form part of a broader effort to build the evidence base for primary prevention of sexual violence through family and community engagement.
Parents as Partners in Prevention at a glance:
- Free four-part course for parents and caregivers of Year 7 & 8 students
- Builds capacity to talk about consent, gender, sex, and respectful relationships
- Created by a partnership of experts in sexual health, education and gender-based violence prevention
- Funded by La Trobe University and evaluated as part of a broader research project
