WA first to receive respectful relationships education funds as Government fights against domestic violence

Funding for respectful relationships education has started flowing to WA schools as part of the Albanese Government’s pledge to stamp out violence against women. The first tranche of nearly $9 million to be rolled out in WA over the next five years to support consent and respectful relationships education in schools will be delivered by August. More than $77 million will be provided to States and territories and the private school sector to deliver evidence-based and age-appropriate education in schools across Australia. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the investment was important in making sure that young Australians — particularly boys and young men — were helped to have healthy and respectful relationships. “Sexual violence is a national shame,” he said. “One in five women and one in 16 men in Australia have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. “A range of approaches are needed, and there is a role to play in the classroom to make sure that young people develop healthy relationships.” The WA Government and peak bodies for private schools will decide how to use the funding, with guidance from the National Respectful Relationships Education Expert Working Group. The money could go towards professional development for teachers, classroom resources or learning modules for students. The national plan aims to end domestic violence within a generation by addressing gender inequality, discrimination and rigid gender norms. In December, the Cook Government announced a $1.5 million funding boost to allow domestic violence charity Starick to expand its Respectful Relationships program used in public schools into Catholic and independent schools. WA has the highest rate of family and domestic violence-related assaults against women in the country.