RESPECT 10th Anniversary Showcase

Outloud is proud to announce the 10th anniversary of the RESPECT program. Launched in 2013, RESPECT is a music program designed for boys under 12 years old, aimed at educating them about domestic violence and gender equality, with the ultimate goal of preventing and reducing domestic violence in the future.

The RESPECT program is a 12-week early intervention harm reduction project conducted in primary schools, where professional musicians serve as facilitators working alongside Family Violence counsellors. Participants are encouraged to write and rehearse an original song, which they then perform at their school assembly and the annual showcase at Bankstown Central. Furthermore, their songs are professionally filmed and transformed into music videos.

To commemorate a decade of RESPECT, Outloud will be hosting its first showcase since 2019 at Bankstown Central Shopping Centre. The showcase will feature captivating performances by local schools in the Bankstown LGA, including Revebsy South Public School, Condell Park Public School, Punchbowl Public School, and Georges Hall Public School. In addition to these performances, RESPECT alumni and participants of Outloud’s UNITY program will also grace the stage. UNITY, an early intervention program, empowers girls and gender-diverse young people aged 10-12, equipping them with the necessary tools to advocate for their equal rights and cultivate healthy relationships for their future selves and communities.

Craig Taunton, RESPECT Program Manager, emphasised the urgency of early interventions, stating, “According to the ABS, between March 2021 and May 2022, 2 in 5 women experienced violence, with 1 in 4 women facing violence from an intimate partner or family member. As young boys navigate the ever-evolving physical and digital worlds, it is imperative that we implement early interventions to educate them about healthy relationships and the significance of equality.”

Taunton expressed immense pride in celebrating 10 years of RESPECT, acknowledging the profound impact of the participants’ heartfelt songs and the transformative power of music in effecting change among young people. He expressed gratitude for the dedicated staff, including program facilitators, the supportive Bankstown community, and all the generous supporters who have contributed to the program’s success in breaking the cycle of violence against women.

Each year, RESPECT directly engages with approximately 150 boys under the age of 12. Murdoch University has assessed the project as a model program that leads to long-term change in participants, with a remarkable 98% increase in awareness and understanding of domestic violence and healthy relationships. Furthermore, 92% of students demonstrated an enhanced comprehension of respectful relationships and equity toward girls and women.

The RESPECT showcase is open to the public and will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on July 27th at Bankstown Central. Join us as we celebrate a decade of empowering young boys and fostering a community committed to reducing domestic violence and promoting gender equality.