Changing the Story Through Community Leadership and Primary Prevention

Everyone has the right to live free from family and sexual violence. Preventing violence starts with addressing its root causes before it begins. By focusing on primary prevention and early intervention, we can foster safe, respectful, and equitable communities. Together, by challenging harmful attitudes and supporting families early on, we can break the cycle of violence and create a safer, more inclusive future for everyone.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to stand united, amplify our voices, and declare that sexual violence has no place in our communities. Each year, thousands across Victoria seek support after experiencing sexual assault. These are not just statistics, they are our friends, family members, colleagues, neighbours, and teammates.

In 2024, 1,917 people accessed sexual assault support services at The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (The SAFV Centre) across the Barwon and Wimmera regions—a 3.8% increase from 2023. Of those, 86% were women, and 16% were children or young people under 18. Almost half had also experienced family violence. Over a third reported past childhood sexual assault. These numbers speak to the deeply interwoven nature of sexual and family violence, and the urgent need for early, community-driven responses.

Violence against women is a serious, preventable violation of human rights. In Australia:

• One in three women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15.

• One in five women has experienced sexual violence (Personal Safety Survey, 2021–22).

Locally, the Greater Geelong area saw a 31% rise in family violence and sexual offences between 2017 and 2021. These figures highlight the need for collective, coordinated action at all levels of society.

The Respect Starts Here project, led by The SAFV Centre, draws on Our Watch’s Change the Story framework. It targets the core drivers of violence, excusing, minimising, or justifying violence, men’s control of decision-making and limits on women’s independence, rigid gender stereotyping and dominant forms of masculinity and male peer relationships that promote disrespect or aggression towards women. This initiative partners with sporting clubs and community groups to foster gender equality and respectful relationships.  Through training, leadership development, and policy review, the program empowers clubs to become champions of change, ensuring environments that are safe, respectful, and inclusive for everyone.

But this work isn’t just about organisations, it’s about all of us. Change starts in everyday moments: calling out disrespect, listening with empathy, and role modelling equality. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, a teammate, or a friend, your actions matter.

Join us. Speak up. Get involved. Together, we can shift the culture and create communities where respect and safety are non-negotiable.