In recognition of International Women’s Day this Saturday 8^th March, we hosted a session with Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault (GCASA). GCASA are a community-based, non-profit organisation who provide specialist support services across the Gippsland region for anyone impacted by sexual assault.

This session covered a range of important topics including help-seeking, consent and healthy relationships.  

Together we discussed what healthy relationships look like and the importance of consent. Participants also explored effective strategies to support people affected by sexual assault.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, the UN Women Australia shared the alarming statistics that 1 in 3 Australian women experience physical violence, and that 1 in 5 experience sexual violence in their lifetime.   

By starting these conversations early, Ladder participants are better equipped to navigate the complexities relationships can have and ensure they maintain healthy, respectful relationships into their adult years.

When entering a new relationship, they feel empowered and confident to set boundaries for themselves and to respect other’s feelings. They are also able to reflect on their current relationships and implement any necessary changes.

Below are reflections from some of the participants following the session:

"Talking about healthy relationships helps us understand what respect really looks like, and that’s something we all deserve in every relationship." – K, 19

"Consent isn’t just a one-time conversation, it's about ongoing respect. It's crucial that we learn how to communicate openly with each other about it." – S, 17

"Healthy relationships are built on trust and communication. Talking about consent shows us how to respect each other’s boundaries and feelings." – S, 17

"Consent and healthy relationships go hand in hand. If we don’t talk about it, we risk misunderstanding what boundaries and respect really mean." – SF

"If we can have honest conversations about what makes a relationship healthy, we can stop toxic behaviours before they even start." – AP

"It’s important to speak up about healthy relationships so that we can break the silence around uncomfortable topics and support each other better." – RH

Conversations about healthy relationships and consent are incredibly important for young people because they lay the foundation for respectful, safe, and positive interactions throughout their lives. These sessions are vital to our participants health and wellbeing and we encourage regular conversations around this topic, not only on awareness days.