Free to the public, the RESPECT showcase will run from 6-7.30 pm on Thursday, July 27, at Bankstown Central.
Established in 2013, RESPECT teaches young boys about domestic violence and gender equality, with a view to preventing and reducing domestic violence in the future.
This 12-week early intervention harm reduction project takes place in primary schools with facilitators who are also professional musicians, working alongside family violence counsellors. Participants write and rehearse an original song, and perform it at their school assembly, with the songs also filmed and made into professional music videos.
The showcase will feature performances from Revebsy South Public, Condell Park Public, Punchbowl Public and Georges Hall Public schools.
It will also feature performances from RESPECT alumni and participants of Outloud’s UNITY program. UNITY is an early intervention program empowering girls and gender-diverse young people aged 10-12 with the tools to stand up for their equal rights and build healthy relationships.
RESPECT Program Manager Craig Taunton said that according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, between March 2021 and May 2022, two in five women experienced violence.
“As young boys attempt to navigate the constantly shifting physical and digital worlds, it’s critical we have early interventions in place to educate them about healthy relationships and the importance of equality,” he said.
“We are extremely proud to be celebrating 10 years of RESPECT. I’m always in awe of the incredibly moving songs created by our participants and the power of music to affect change in young people.”
