Respect, Protect, Connect: A Workshop Program for Young People in Schools

Abstract

The Respect, Protect, Connect Program, (formerly Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself for Females, and Respecting Ourselves, Respecting Others for Males), is an injury-prevention focused workshop project based in secondary schools in the South East Region of Melbourne. Peer education principles are utilised in single-sex workshops with year 7-10 students. The aims of the workshops are the development of harm reduction and violence prevention strategies by young people. Students develop an understanding of the way violence impacts upon their lives and those around them. Through discussion, roleplays and interactive group work, young people are empowered and resourced to take more control of their life circumstances. The origins and current status of the project are discussed along with reflections of project workers about working with class-sized groups of young people.