The Allan Labor Government’s Respectful Relationships program is being expanded to even more non-government schools to help embed a culture of respect and gender equality — delivering on commitments made in the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today visited Kardinia International College to announce a further 81 new Catholic and independent schools are ready to roll out the Respectful Relationships initiative.
Mr Carroll said “Victoria is leading the nation through our Respectful Relationship initiative which is supporting schools to embed a culture of respect and equality across their entire school community.”
“Respectful Relationships has been a success thanks to the commitment of government, independent and Catholics sectors schools to ensure students are given the resources they need to thrive.”
More than 2,000 government, Catholic and independent schools are now signed up, including more than 450 non-government schools.
Expression of interests for non-government schools to join are open until 15 May.
Schools signing up to the program will be supported with start up funding of up to $20,000 over two years for eligible schools to implement Respectful Relationships in 2025.
Findings from a Respectful Relationships evaluation identified the most significant impact for students was improved social and emotional skills.
Students reported having a better understanding of their feelings and emotions, improved coping strategies and their ability to articulate needs.
Since 2016, the Labor Government has invested $129 million to deliver training and support to roll out the Respectful Relationships program.
Respectful Relationships is part of a broader community approach to primary prevention of family violence. For more information please visit www.vic.gov.au/respectful-relationships.
