More than 1,000 Victorian schools have signed on to promote positive attitudes, behaviours and healthy relationships in school communities, to help prevent family violence.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced a further 864 government, Catholic and independent schools have signed up for the Andrews Labor Government’s $21.8 million Respectful Relationships program.

The Royal Commission into Family Violence recommended Respectful Relationships be introduced to all government schools to promote equality and prevent family violence for future generations and the Labor Government is making sure that happens.

The 864 schools will be Respectful Relationships Partner Schools and will be mentored by 151 Leading Schools who joined the initiative in early 2017.

All Respectful Relationships schools are looking at their culture, practices and policies to drive meaningful change to build an enhanced culture of respect.

A new resource kit for schools supports them to look at policies and school culture to make sure respect and  equality are lived and modelled by the whole school community.

Respectful Relationships promotes equality and helps students learn how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.

Educating students about respectful relationships leads to a positive impact on student’s overall academic outcomes, mental health, classroom behaviour and relationships between teachers and students.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“This is about ensuring that every single student and school community understand the importance of respecting each other as well as building resilience and healthy relationships.”

“The Royal Commission has made it clear that early intervention is key to preventing family violence and that’s why we’re getting this done as soon as we can.”

Quotes Attributable to the Acting Minister for Family Violence Jill Hennessy

“By having this program in our schools, the next generation will grow up knowing the importance of equality and a culture of respect which is essential for preventing family violence.”