Charlotte Varcoe
COMMUNITY leaders united last week to discuss how to engage the Limestone Coast with the Department of Social Service’s Stop it at the Start campaign, which encourages enforcing positive behaviour in young people across Australia.
Leaders from education, health, not-for-profit, government and private sectors reviewed the campaign’s resources and identified what action could be taken within the Limestone Coast to positively influence the attitudes and behaviours of young people around respectful relationships and gender equality.
The national campaign aims to educate and reduce violence against women and children through a series of television advertisements.
The campaign aims to intervene before attitudes and behaviours develop that may lead to violence.
The session held at Mount Gambier City Hall was one of many forums taking place across the country in support of the campaign.
Speaking at the event, campaign community agency officer Emma Devoss said it was focused on behaviour change in regards to prevention rather than supporting those who have already experienced family or domestic violence.
She said the campaign was aimed at developing ideas within communities on how to better work together to promote respect and support young people in developing relationships and respectful relationships within the community.
Now in its third phase, the campaign also encouraged adults to have a positive influence in attitudes and behaviours of young people.
“Unlike a lot of campaigns that are about behavioural change this is a prevention campaign meaning that instead of focusing on supporting people who have already experienced family or domestic violence this campaign tries to address where it comes from and prevent those behaviours and attitudes before they are formed,” Ms Devoss said.
“We know children are like sponges and learn from the world around then and it is the small moments of disrespectful behaviour that we brush off which can add up and bring a viewpoint when they are older that it is okay.
“This stage of the campaign asks for adults to take action in moments where they witness disrespect and just different ways they can make small moments to teach proper behaviours.”
Participants also conversed in groups discussing the resources available across the region before being given a suite of tools and resources further assisting how to model positive behaviours and start conversations about respect with young people in their lives.
Those experiencing difficulties are able to access these resources at www.respect.gov.au and those impacted by sexual assault or domestic or family violence are encouraged to call 1800RESPECT or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
