The Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) today received a bronze award for the Whole of School Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence Program in the community-led category of the 2018 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA).
SASS Chief Executive Officer Jill Maxwell said the program targets both potential perpetrators and victims of sexual violence, in addition to teachers as important influential adults in young people’s lives.
SASS CEO Jill Maxwell states,
“The program was motivated by alarming findings that young people are more likely to hold sexual violence-supportive attitudes than other age groups. The Whole of School Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence Program aims to address the underlying causes of sexual assault, thereby reducing its incidence and impacts, through promoting respectful sexual behaviours amongst young people and by enhancing the capacity of Tasmanian secondary school communities to respond to and prevent sexual assault.”
“So much of the work we do here at SASS is behind the scenes, so it’s wonderful to see the passion and dedication our team have to primary prevention work being recognised on a national scale.”
The annual ACVPA awards recognise best practice and the outstanding contributions being made across Australia in the prevention or reduction of violence and other types of crimes in the Australian community.
Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) Director, Michael Phelan APM states,
“Through its thought-provoking, engaging and participatory sessions, the program instils a responsibility for preventing and addressing sexual violence. The program is improving students’ knowledge of and attitudes towards sexual harassment and violence, consent, ethical decision-making, bystander interventions, and accessing help.”
Each year the ACVPA Board, chaired by the AIC Director and which consists of senior law enforcement representatives from each state and territory police service, assesses all nominated projects.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine states,
“Crime and violence prevention isn’t only a police responsibility—it’s a community issue. Together we work with organisations and other key stakeholders to help prevent crime and violence against the community and reduce the impact of crime on everyday Tasmanians. Tasmania Police is pleased to support these awards as a way of raising awareness to help make our community safer.”
The awards are a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments, coordinated by the AIC and co-sponsored by the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management.
For more information about this media release please contact SASS CEO Jill Maxwell on (03) 6231 0044.