Content Warning: The following text mentions sensitive topics related to violence. While the intention is to raise awareness and promote a safer environment, please be aware that these subjects may be distressing for some readers.
La Trobe University is running the international training program Flip the Script for all young women university students. The evidence-based program equips all participants with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to stand up for their sexual rights. The program is free for participants (to the value of $2000 per participant) and includes self-defence and relationships and sexuality education. Full catering (meals, snacks and drinks) is provided throughout the program.
Why Flip the Script?
Growing up, girls are often taught to believe that they are responsible for preventing an assault. They are taught to fear stranger assault and to keep themselves safe by monitoring where they go, what they do, and what they wear.
Girls are also often taught that they aren’t strong enough to fight back.
We know that all of this is wrong.
Did you know that one in five young women will experience sexual assault while at university? And one in three women over the age of 15 will experience physical violence from a partner, ex-partner, family member or someone known to them.
Let’s flip the script for women. In this evidence-based program, you’ll learn to trust yourself and recognise and overcome some of the pressures society places us on girls and women.
Upcoming sessions in Semester Two
The Flip the Script™ program is a 12-hour sexual assault resistance education program. It has four units, which are each three hours in length. The content consists of mini lectures, games, audio and video clips, group activities and empowerment self-defence module.
Friday 22 September and Saturday 23 September, 10 am-4.30 pm – Bendigo
Friday 13 October and Saturday 14 October, 10 am-4.30 pm – Melbourne (Bundoora)
For information on the Flip the Script curriculum and its research, visit the SARE Centre website.
Email respect@latrobe.edu.au for further information about the program.
Support Services
- Safer Community at La Trobe – a free, confidential support service if you experience or witness concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour.
- Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion at La Trobe – free and confidential support services for your health and wellbeing.
- Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) is available at different locations across Victoria and provides crisis support, as well as information, referral and counselling.
- 1800RESPECT is the national family violence/sexual assault counselling service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free confidential advice and referrals, as well as online support. Interpreters are also available if needed.