South East Community Links (SECL) is proud to announce our role in the national Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project, funded by La Trobe University. This strategic step not only expands SECL’s work into the realm of sexual health and primary prevention, but also reinforces our commitment to holistic wellbeing and safer communities across the South East Melbourne.
This project in being delivered in partnership with Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE), Sexual Health Victoria, and Talking the Talk. Together, we’re helping shape a future where families feel confident, informed and supported to have important conversations with their children about consent, gender, and respectful relationships.
At the heart of this collaboration is Parents as Partners in Prevention (PAPS), a new evidence-based and trauma-informed program that equips parents and caregivers with practical tools to talk openly with their children about sex, consent, gender roles and healthy relationships.
SECL is proud to contribute our community knowledge and multicultural expertise to ensure this program resonates across diverse cultural groups. PAPS is delivered as a free, four-part course for parents of Year 7 and 8 students and is currently being trialled with six cohorts across Victoria in 2025–2026.
This is a response to growing concerns about how young people are exposed to and understand issues around sexuality, consent, online influences like pornography and toxic gender messaging. PAPS provides a roadmap for parents who want to raise informed, respectful and resilient teens.
This initiative directly supports Australia’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children (2022–2032). It represents a community-led, family-centered approach to primary prevention empowering parents as the first educators and reinforcing the respectful relationships education delivered in schools.
Through this partnership, SECL is proud to contribute to a growing national evidence base, helping to shape what works in preventing violence before it occurs.
Let’s build safer homes and stronger communities together.