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Keep Safe Stay Cool is an early
intervention program targeting young people between the ages of thirteen and
twenty-five years using a peer education model to promote healthy
relationships as opposed to domestic violence. Keep Safe Stay Cool utilises
a framework of reciprocal human rights to encourage change in young people’s
beliefs, attitudes and behaviours regarding interpersonal relationships. The
program aims to encourage the understanding of mutual responsibilities with
a view to reducing the incidence and tolerance of domestic violence.
After
extensive training, which includes information and skill development, Peer Educators of both genders design and present series of interactive sessions
to high school classes and youth groups. The Peer Educators work in mixed
gender pairs to present to mixed gender classes. Keep Safe Stay Cool is an
education program, not a therapeutic program. However, there are indicators
that it has value for young people who are dealing with issues of abuse.
Peer Educators - Donovan, Daniel, Clair and Anne-Marie
Key
Elements of Keep Safe Stay Cool
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Young people of both genders from varied backgrounds
are recruited as Peer Educators. |
This brings different
perspectives and promotes cooperation rather than challenge.
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The complexity of causal factors of domestic violence
are addressed in training. |
Historic, societal,
political, familial, media, gender roles, stereotyping and power issues are
addressed.
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All facets of healthy relationships and of domestic
violence are considered. |
Emotional, social,
financial, physical and sexual aspects are examined.
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A range of services is enlisted to help give Peer Educators a broad view of the impact of domestic violence. |
Police, non-government
services, health services and children’s services have input in peer
educator training.
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Multi-cultural
issues of domestic violence and Aboriginal issues of family violence are
addressed. |
Service providers and
community members from aboriginal and different cultural backgrounds are
involved in training.
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Same gender relationships are considered. |
In the framework of
societal causal effects gay/lesbian domestic violence issues are discussed
in training and gay/lesbian relationships are included in class discussion.
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The program utilises a range of strategies designed in
partnership with Peer Educators to disseminate information through schools
and youth groups. |
Peer Educators’ ideas and
understandings of current youth cultures are incorporated in session plans.
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The program is being evaluated and continuously
improved. |
The program develops and
includes new learning as feedback is received. |
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