Year 10 Students Stepping Towards Respectful Relationships

An article from Dorothy Gilmour, Rotary Hawthorn
 

Source: RC Kingscliff

Have you a local school you support? Are you looking for new ways to interact with your local schools? Rotary SAFE Families has the solution. We are providing the “Towards Respectful Relationships” program at Melbourne schools. This is an  outstanding opportunity for young people to become informed of the need for respectful relationships rather than the traumatic impact of an abusive relationship. 

Dorothy Gilmour with Ginny Giorgio with Sophia Mundi 
students and their certificates

Towards Respectful Relationships© was created by Ginny Giorgio, a former Adelaide Family Court lawyer, and is licensed to Rotary SAFE Families to deliver across Victoria. The program is designed for Year 10 students and runs over eight sessions, combining education, mentorship, and creative filmmaking. Victoria Police is reaching out to Dorothy Gilmour, Facilitator for the program, requesting their inclusion in the program as it is an ideal way for Police to meet and work with young people. Working in small groups, students explore the difference between respectful and abusive relationships — guided by a Rotary SAFE Families Facilitator, Victoria Police Family Violence Liaison officers, a film professional, and Rotary mentors. Each group produces a short film on the topic, building both awareness and practical skills along the way.

How It Works

  • Students work in small groups across 8 structured sessions

  • Each group is supported by two visits from Police, a film professional, welfare teacher, and Rotary mentors

  • Groups research, script, act and edit to produce an original short film on respectful relationships

  • Films are judged by fellow students and a panel of professionals

  • The program concludes with a Gala Event to screen films, celebrate students, and present prizes

Hawthorn Rotarians Dorothy Gilmour and Mim Bell with Victoria Police

Funding

The program is funded through Rotary Club sponsorships with no cost to the school. Tax-effective donations can be received through RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service), making it straightforward for individuals and organisations to contribute. Comments from students who have already participated in the program include:

“This is the best thing we’ve done for a long time at school!”

“I’m going to really miss your cakes Dorothy!”

“I have learnt more about domestic violence, having a clear understanding of how I can prevent domestic violence.  I have learnt how to edit a film, operate a proper camera, the “3R’s” of prevention and learning what a respectful relationship is.”

If you wish to be involved with this project, contact Dorothy Gilmour, Chair Rotary SAFE Families/President Rotary Hawthorn at gilmour.dorothy@gmail.com