Research

In Term 4, 1998, 350 Year 10 students in five local high schools were surveyed to find out about existing beliefs. A peer consultancy model was utilised with the help of young people who had been involved in previous Noarlunga Health Service youth projects. The purpose of the survey was to establish training needs for Keep Safe Stay Cool. The 15 question survey covered issues of causal factors of domestic violence; facets of domestic violence; victim blaming and gender issues. In all instances it was found that young people believed the myths that abound regarding domestic violence in our communities. Some of the more startling results included:

• 50% of the young people surveyed thought that domestic violence occurs only when people physically harm their partners.

• 8% either agreed or did not know if males have the right to keep a female “under control” with violence.

• Only 30% of young people surveyed thought that violent images in the media influence violence in relationships.

• 67% of young people surveyed thought alcohol and drugs are the main cause of domestic violence.

Full survey results can be downloaded here

Peer Educator Ellie May presenting

Resources

During class sessions students are informed of resources in the community where they may go for help if needed. Further contacts are always distributed during the sessions. Although Keep Safe and Stay Cool is not a therapeutic program there are indicators that the program has value for young people who are already dealing with issues of domestic violence. Students have requested further information for their mothers plus some students reveal in feedback that they find the information useful at a personal level: 

“My last boyfriend bashed me but now we’ve talked in class about all what goes on I know what to look out for and it won’t happen again.” 

“I learnt not to use violence to solve the problem.”

 “I can go and talk to people about my problems.”

 “Today’s session helped me understand a lot more about the relationship I’ve just come out of, why I kept going back, guilty feelings, controlling.” 

As well as the health worker in class giving their contact number we distribute the following numbers for students to contact:

These contacts are relevant in South Australia. Other areas will need to make their own contact lists.

For resources we use in training and sessions please go to our training page.

back to top