University researchers to work with youth to reduce sexual violence in Toowoomba

Toowoomba is one of three sites across Queensland that will host a project that aims to reduce sexual violence and assault. Here’s why our younger demographic will be key to the plan.

University researchers are working with young people in Toowoomba on a plan that aims to reduce youth sexual violence and assault.

Griffith University, together with University of the Sunshine Coast and Civic Assist, will work with the community to design a prevention program to be rolled out over the next year.

Professor Sharyn Rundle-Thiele said the project was one of three Queensland place-based initiatives.

“Together with the community we will deliver a locally tailored prevention strategy for young people that will promote safe and healthy relationships, strengthen personal and online safety, and reduce the risk of violence and sexual assault,” she said.

Prof Rundle-Thiele said young people were “effectively being put in charge” regarding the action plan.

“By placing young people at the heart of the project we expect the resulting Action Plan will inform the implementation of a prevention program that will effectively reach and engage more youth,” she said.

“Our first project committee meeting demonstrated how enthusiastic and determined young people in the Toowoomba community are to make a change for the better and in fact the youth leaders named themselves Young Voices United.”

The project will also draw from the expertise of stakeholders who are working with survivors.

Priorities for the plan include building community groups to provide safe spaces, and improving awareness and education within schools and the wider community.

The project team wants to hear the residents keen to help with the plan.

The survey is open until the end of May.

Click here to complete the survey.