When we consider the 50 women who died at the hands of their partner in 2022, we must ask ourselves: why hasn’t family violence been platformed in a way that recognises it as an individual, societal and policy issue?
The system as it stands isn’t working. The short and longer-term harm caused by sexual assault and family violence, and the impacts that exposure to family violence can have are significant. We must acknowledge the dire need to focus on prevention – the kind of prevention agenda that lasts a generation, potentially changing family legacies of sexual assault and family violence.
Putting the significant societal cost aside for a moment, which can be difficult to quantify, in terms of economic cost the Department of Social Services estimated that in 2021-22 Australia allocated over $15.5 million to the issue of sexual violence. How do we maximise the effect this investment can have, if not with a sustained focus on education? And if we do not begin to educate the children of today while re-educating past generations, what costs, financial and otherwise, will our future generations bear?
The significance of young people being exposed to family violence is evident within my work with children and young people whose behaviour is sexually harmful. Whilst there is no simple or single explanation for young people developing harmful sexual behaviours, it is recognised that exposure to sexual violence whether directly (by being exposed to violence in the home) or indirectly (through accessing pornography, for example) can skew their knowledge and understanding of how to initiate and sustain healthy, safe, and secure relationships.
With over 20 years in the industry, as a Director at Kids First Australia and a Board Member of Sexual Assault Services Victoria, I am heartened to see consent education become mandatory in Victoria. I welcome the shift in sex education towards a more holistic model, with today’s children across primary and high schools undertaking sex education beyond the merely biological focus of the 1970’s and 1980’s. This change is a significant step in the right direction; however, it is of vital importance that we ensure content taught and themes covered reflect the nature of the sexual landscape young people are experiencing.
Of particular importance to the next generation is gaining an understanding of the nuances and complexity of consent, and from a young age. This education should begin with age-appropriate body safety for children, and continue into the teenage years when young people begin to explore their sexuality. This continuity and development of sex education and related themes will ensure young people grow into adults who know what consent is, the integral role it plays in connection, and what constitutes sexual violence.
Safe, respectful relationships are fundamental to a young person’s future. Age-appropriate consent education supports healthy, safe relationships; it is a powerful tool in shifting attitudes and behaviours around gendered violence, as well as reducing sexual assault in our communities.
Consent education is a preventative method against sexual violence and other harmful behaviours. In research published in March 2022, 1 in 30 women had been raped or sexually assaulted. Based on those statistics, it is highly likely you know one of these women, whether as an acquaintance, friend or even family member.
In 2015, Kids First partnered with the University of Melbourne PHD program to explore the prevention of sexually harmful behaviour by young people. From the communication with participants, we discovered that young people who had displayed harmful sexual behaviours not only needed, but wanted education covering safe and unsafe sexual behaviour from late primary school, and into early high school. They were also adamant that they wanted more than just explanations of the mechanics of sex. They sought to know the ‘rules’ around consent: what consent looks and doesn’t look like; how to negotiate; and the appropriateness of age as it relates to consent and safe relationships.
To shift societal attitudes and potentially change trajectories for our children and their children, we must continue discussion, and model a culture of respect. The school environment is a pivotal place to start the conversation, and more importantly – the education.
Nevertheless, the role of educators cannot fall solely to our schools. Whilst we educate our children inside the classroom, we must simultaneously engage our broader communities, increasing awareness across parenting groups, sporting clubs, and community organisations.
To reiterate: In 2022, 50 women died due to family violence. So far, this year, we have lost 27 Australian women and tragically, but unsurprisingly, this number will not be 27 by the end of 2023.
While it is recognised that using violence is a choice, we can speculate with a high degree of confidence that current cost-of-living stresses placed on Australian families will undoubtedly lead to increases in family violence. It’s vital that we begin to realise that prevention is the only way to reduce these numbers.
Once our children gain an understanding of consent and its place within relationships; that to turn their backs on a family legacy could change the course of their own lives and the lives of other people, this evolution of thought can only lead to a safer, more respectful Australia for all.
If you or someone you know is in need of help due to sexual assault or family and domestic violence contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
In an emergency call 000. Lifeline (13 11 14) and, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 13YARN (13 92 76)