Stop it at the Start

by | Jul 2, 2024 | Uncategorized

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is launching the fifth phase of its multi-award-winning Stop it at the Start campaign which aims to re-establish how adults and influencers of young people can help break the cycle of violence against women by:

  • Understanding the impact of new powerful (online and offline) influences of disrespect
  • Seeing the link between gendered disrespect and violence
  • Talking to young people about negative online content and giving them a different voice

Violence against women and children is a significant problem in Australia. In 2022-23 one woman was killed every 11 days by their current or former partner1 in Australia.

Since the age of 15:

  • 1 in 4 women have experienced violence by an intimate partner; compared to 1 in 14 men.
  • 1 in 11 women have experienced violence by a boyfriend, girlfriend, or date, compared to 1 in 44 men.
  • 1 in 14 women experienced partner emotional abuse compared to 1 in 7 men.
  • 1 in 12 women have experienced violence by a family member since the age of 15, compared to 1 in 17 men.

Violence against women still occurs, and the problem has not been solved. There are new and powerful influences online and in the real world impacting young people, and their attitudes towards gendered disrespect.

Not all disrespect towards women results in violence, but all violence against women starts with disrespect. Parents and adult influencers of young people aged 10-17 years are missing out on the conversations that are happening online without them.

TRANSLATED RESOURCES

The Department of Social Services has developed a series of translated resources to support adults to learn more about the new powerful influences of disrespect young people are seeing everyday online.

Resources are available in 11 languages, and include the Stop it at the Start Pocket Guide to respectful conversations, Issue Guide, and Hidden Trends of Disrespect Guide, which aim to educate and support adults on how to have conversations with young people, about countering negative voices with voices of reason and respect.