ReTHINK!
Why is challenging unacceptable behaviour important?
Leading up to every incident of domestic/family violence or sexual violence are all kinds of behaviours, words, and actions that normalise violence in a community.
Even actions like a sexist joke or victim-blaming remark contribute to a culture in which domestic/family violence or sexual violence occur.
When we stay silent, we are reinforcing that the behaviour is acceptable.
When we call it out, we’re sending a clear message that it’s not ok.
Sometimes it is hard to know what to say and how to act, and you may feel uncomfortable about speaking out. Here are some tips to help you challenge the social norms that contribute to the culture of violence, amongst your friends, classmates and family members.
I BELIEVE
“I believe” statements are a great way to give your opinion. You could say something like:
AM I THE ONLY ONE?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation with a group of people and you feel uncomfortable about what is being said? You’re probably not the only one who thought it was wrong. Speaking up lets others know that you do not approve and will encourage them to speak up also. You could say:
MAKE IT CLEAR
If you are with some friends and someone says something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or that is disrespectful towards women, you can say something like:
TALK PRIVATELY
Talk to the person privately about what they said or did and its effect on others. This increases the chance they will listen to what you say. They may not feel the need to defend themselves as it is not in front of others.
CHALLENGING YOUR FRIENDS BEHAVIOUR
Sometimes you may see your friends behaving disrespectfully for example sexually harassing women on the street or putting down females. You can say:
TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO STOP
MAKE IT PERSONAL
Sometimes, people forget they are talking about a real person. To challenge them, you could say something like: “What if someone said that about your sister/daughter/mother?”. Asking a question helps people think about what they said and will help change the conversation.
What is a healthy versus an unhealthy relationship?
A healthy relationship makes you feel respected, supported, and free to be yourself, while an unhealthy relationship can leave you feeling controlled, disrespected, or unsafe.
Knowing the difference is really important because the way people treat you (and how you treat them) shapes your confidence, mental health, and future choices.
As a young person, you’re just starting to build friendships and romantic relationships, so learning what’s healthy and what’s not helps you set boundaries, protect yourself, and create strong, positive connections with others.
What is a healthy versus an unhealthy relationship?
A healthy relationship makes you feel respected, supported, and free to be yourself, while an unhealthy relationship can leave you feeling controlled, disrespected, or unsafe.
Knowing the difference is really important because the way people treat you (and how you treat them) shapes your confidence, mental health, and future choices.
As a young person, you’re just starting to build friendships and romantic relationships, so learning what’s healthy and what’s not helps you set boundaries, protect yourself, and create strong, positive connections with others.
Tips for peers: Why it’s important to have respectful relationships
Conversation Guide for Parents
Around Consent
Thank you to all who attended!
2Connect Presents Daniel Principe: Talks for Parents & Community
2Connect Youth & Community were privileged to host talks for parents, schools and the community this past month. A big THANK YOU to Youth Advocate and Educator, Daniel Principe for speaking at schools and for the community!
Guest Speaker: Daniel Principe
Daniel is a youth advocator and educator helping young people unpack the messages they receive about tough topics like stereotypes, sex, relationships, and consent; especially in a digital world. These talks arm parents, caregivers and the community with knowledge and clarity to get to the heart of what matters for young people. With care and clarity, Daniel provides reflective tools that caregivers and the community can use to the benefit of young people’s well-being and their relationships. These talks are grounded in evidence and explore practical ways to equip young people to become more aware of the people and ideas influencing their behaviour and growing identities; skills that can be instilled into young people now and remain with them well into adulthood.
Host: 2Connect Youth & Community
Dates: Wednesday 26th November 2025
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start to 8pm end
Location: Hurstville Civic Theatre
Check out some snippets from Talks for Parents & Community:
Thank you for attending!
2Connect Presents Daniel Principe: Talks for Parents & Community
2Connect Youth & Community were privileged to host talks for parents, schools and the community this past month. A big THANK YOU to Youth Advocate and Educator, Daniel Principe for speaking at schools and for the community!
Guest Speaker: Daniel Principe
Daniel is a youth advocator and educator helping young people unpack the messages they receive about tough topics like stereotypes, sex, relationships, and consent; especially in a digital world. These talks arm parents, caregivers and the community with knowledge and clarity to get to the heart of what matters for young people. With care and clarity, Daniel provides reflective tools that caregivers and the community can use to the benefit of young people’s well-being and their relationships. These talks are grounded in evidence and explore practical ways to equip young people to become more aware of the people and ideas influencing their behaviour and growing identities; skills that can be instilled into young people now and remain with them well into adulthood.
Host: 2Connect Youth & Community
Dates: Wednesday 26th November 2025
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start to 8pm end
Location: Hurstville Civic Theatre
Check out some snippets from
Talks for Parents & Community
Thank You for Attending
2Connect Presents Daniel Principe: Talks for Parents & Community
2Connect Youth & Community were privileged to host talks for parents, schools and the community this past month. A big THANK YOU to Youth Advocate and Educator, Daniel Principe for speaking at schools and for the community!
Guest Speaker: Daniel Principe
Daniel is a youth advocator and educator helping young people unpack the messages they receive about tough topics like stereotypes, sex, relationships, and consent; especially in a digital world. These talks arm parents, caregivers and the community with knowledge and clarity to get to the heart of what matters for young people. With care and clarity, Daniel provides reflective tools that caregivers and the community can use to the benefit of young people’s well-being and their relationships. These talks are grounded in evidence and explore practical ways to equip young people to become more aware of the people and ideas influencing their behaviour and growing identities; skills that can be instilled into young people now and remain with them well into adulthood.
Host: 2Connect Youth & Community
Dates: Wednesday 26th November 2025
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start to 8pm end
Location: Hurstville Civic Theatre
Check out some snippets from Talks for Parents & Community
Support for Young People & Families
- 2Connect Youth & Family Support Services
We deliver accessible support to young people (aged 12-18) and parents/family members who live, work, or study in the Bayside and Georges River Council area.
Talk to an adult you can trust e.g. parent, teacher, school counsellor, youth worker, older sibling/relative
- 1800 RESPECT
1800 RESPECT is a 24/7 confidential national helpline providing support, information, and counselling for people affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence. You can also find more support and resources here: https://www.1800respect.org.au/help-and-support
- headspace – counsellors, psychologists, doctors, this is a free private service. No Medicare card needed for most services.
- e-headspace – online counselling
- Kids Helpline (24/7 for those aged 5-25 years) – 1800 55 1800
IF SOMEONE IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 000.
More Domestic & Family Violence Information:
Australian Government – Consent Can’t Wait
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research – Domestic Violence
Get the #16Butterflies Resource Pack Mail Out
