Respectful Relationships Teaching Support Program (the Program) is a primary prevention initiative which focuses on promoting respectful relationships and gender equality from an early age, to prevent family and domestic violence before it starts.
Western Australian public schools play a critical role in teaching children and young people what gender-based violence looks like and how it can be prevented. The Program aims to increase teachers’ skills to educate and support children and young people to build relationships characterised by non-violence, equality, mutual respect, and trust.
The Program advocates a whole of school approach to respectful relationships education and supports the delivery of the mandated Western Australian curriculum. The Program aims to strengthen positive relationships and promote gender equality in the school community.
About the program
In March 2020, the Department of Communities entered into a Grant Agreement with Starick Services Inc (Starick) to pilot the Program which ceased on 30 June 2022. A total of 30 schools completed all of the Program components.
During the 2021 election, the McGowan Government committed to expand the Program to increase the number of schools from 10 to 22 per annum and to extend the length of the program by four years to 30 June 2026.
Partnership approach
To assist with delivery of the program the Department of Education provides in-kind support to the Department of Communities (the lead agency), and Starick Services Inc.
Other respectful relationships information
Our Watch – Respectful Relationships Education
Department of Education – Community against violence
Media Statement - Pilot Respectful Relationships Teaching Support Program
Media statement - Respectful Relationships to promote equality in additional schools
Media Statement - Respectful Relationships Teaching Support Program and consent
