Created for respectful relationships.
A pastoral vision for consent and respectful relationships education in Catholic schools.
Created for respectful relationships.
A pastoral vision for consent and respectful relationships education in Catholic schools.
Creating safe environments for children is both a legal responsibility and a core expression of the educational mission of Catholic schools. Schools are entrusted not only with academic formation but with the wellbeing of children and young people during critical stages of development. A safe workplace and learning environment enables students to flourish intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Child safety is therefore not an additional initiative but a foundational condition for learning.
A safeguarding culture recognises children not only as recipients of care but as persons with agency, voice and rights. This approach aligns with a long-standing ethical tradition that prioritises the dignity and protection of all, and the creation of communities oriented toward justice and human flourishing.
Consent and respectful relationships education is an important component of safeguarding and the prevention of sexual abuse and other interpersonal harms.
Even so, many educators ask the question: Why does the teaching of respectful relationships actually matter? And why are we, as Catholic educators, being asked to engage in consent and respectful relationships education? Some educators and parents may be concerned that a Victorian Government mandate to teach consent and respectful relationships as a core component of the curriculum might be contrary to religious teachings and ethical concerns.
We are preparing a series of resources that will provide educational, legal, theological and social science rationales for teaching consent and respectful relationships in Catholic schools.
These materials will offer support on how to understand the issues and will have practical guidance on how to shape your environment by influencing what a school community notices, models, challenges and accepts.
Developed by Victorian Catholic Education Authority and the Australian Catholic University, these materials are being designed to support you in building confidence and capacity in teaching Consent and Respectful Relationships Education.
Stay tuned for more updates on the launch of this important body of work
This portal is aimed at people working in youth-serving organizations to help them better prevent and respond to harm to children.
If you would like to talk to a trained professional about what you’ve seen on the Portal, or need help, please call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you believe a child or young person is in immediate danger, call Police on 000.
Emergency and safety
For further information on crisis responses and reporting child abuse and neglect, see: Australian Institue of Family Studies website.