“Sex In the Country”: 'Sex In the Country' Young people owning their safety, self esteem and sexuality Senior Constable Jodie Gregg-Smith SA Police North East Local Service Area


So who am I ?: So who am I ? Youth andamp; Community Officer Juvenile Justice School Liaison Crime Prevention Social Justice Interagency Consultancy Youth Sector Network Minority Groups – Advocacy Corporate SAPOL programs


Hmmm, what is this bird on about?: Hmmm, what is this bird on about? History Inception of program Format of Program Youth response to ‘Sex in the Country’ Evaluation Why it works Questions


Have a read……: Have a read…… Young women have long since been victims of sexual assault, pressured or engaged into unsafe sexual activity, or been victims of abuse or assault due to fear, risky behaviours (drugs, alcohol, drink spiking), lack of knowledge, confidence, poor self esteem or no education on the part of either party.


Just a bit more…: Just a bit more… By educating all young people who find it difficult to discreetly access appropriate and timely information within their rural region, we can work together to ensure their safety, self esteem and wellbeing remains intact while sending out a clear message on negotiating safe and acceptable outcomes within relationships and how to prevent unwanted complications or unpleasant encounters. This is what underpins ‘Sex In The Country’


How did it all start?: How did it all start? 2004 Mid North Rape and Sexual Assault Response Group Interagency Consultancy Groups Victim Support Services Crime Reporting Data Women’s Health Services Identified a concerning elevation of sexual assault, sexual abuse, misinformation, promiscuity, early pregnancies and sexual health concerns.


Still…….how did it all start?: Still…….how did it all start? Key factors in the revelations mostly young women Considerably more concern re regional and rural isolation among victims/incidence Very little accessible support or information No suitable programs running in region Multi-agency issues


Inception of Program: Inception of Program Integration of SAPOL, DECS, CAMHS, SHINE SA and LOCAL GP to formulate an informal day for female students between Year 8 and Year 12 on all aspects of Sexual health and wellbeing. 30 Students from the Snowtown Area School who had identified some issues participated in the ‘pilot’.


Well….how did the pilot go?: Well….how did the pilot go? This day in November 2004 was well received and the following feedback resulted.. What about the boys??? Need more information…. Myths dispelled Disclosure re recent incidents by some participants.


And then what happened? : And then what happened? We had some improving to do Word got out that some groovy people were talking to kids about sex These groovy people were locals and could really identify with the issues within the small communities and the concerns of young people More requests for the program came from far and wide………………


Slide11: SO……….


Slide12: WELCOME TO ‘SEX IN THE COUNTRY’


Format of the Program : Format of the Program (People Bingo andamp; Icebreakers) Self Esteem (some very funny games) Maintaining Healthy Relationships ( an hilarious competition) Negotiating Better outcomes (more engaging and exciting games) Sex andamp; Legal Stuff – including a quiz Sexual Health, contraception, Women’s Health (more fun and games and practical activities)


And more about the format…….: And more about the format……. One full day Students wear plain clothes ‘Sex In the Country’ is held away from the school without teachers. Food and refreshments provided Norms and safety zones established at beginning Run by local professionals who can assist with the sustainability of the program


But wait…..there’s more….: But wait…..there’s more…. FACILITATORS SA POLICE FLINDERS EDUCATION DISTRICT (DECS) SHINE SA RURAL YOUTH HEALTH OFFICER WOMEN’S HEALTH WORKER Supported further by : Youth Development Officers, Youth workers who service the region and offer the day to day provision local youth.


What we noticed…….: What we noticed……. Young males and females benefit equally Males ask the most questions..( YAY! That’s what we were hoping!) Excellent participation by all Respect and understanding of each other despite differing levels of knowledge /experience Respect of ‘cone of silence’ concept Every body leaves on a high…..


What we have learned…..: What we have learned….. Teachers don’t feel comfortable teaching their students about sex and stuff Neither do parents! Kids try to educate each other…with wives tales and myth…DANGER! Most young people don’t know as much as they think they do about sex and relationships Young people listen when you talk about sex and genitals…( they laugh a bit too!)


And we learned…: And we learned… Lots of young people are okay about abstinence Most don’t know what constitutes the act of Sexual intercourse Many have felt unsafe, unsure or obliged to participate in sexual activity Many admit the use of alcohol leads to a greater likelihood of a sexual encounter (dutch courage) Young people didn’t realise there was so much information/support at their fingertips.


Outcomes so far…: Outcomes so far… More young women accessing women’s health Less reports from agencies of sexual assaults and risky sexual behaviours in the smaller communities Greater respect shown between adolescent males and females and the shared responsibilities of each Word of mouth re the program has resulted in the ‘least likely’ schools accessing it to address relevant issues


Why Sex In the Country Works : Why Sex In the Country Works It is fun It is what kids want and need to know about The program is broken up with activities and projects which are relevant to every day living We provide great food We are local people delivering a local service, we identify with the needs and deeds of rural youth We provide resources and information which ensures the program and it’s relevance is sustained with an option of follow up services to the regions rather than the day being suspended in time as a one off opportunity. We are committed to and passionate about Sex in The Country and it’s aims


Schools participating in 2005 : Schools participating in 2005 Snowtown Area School Jamestown Community School Gladstone High School Orroroo Area School St Marks College John Pirie Secondary School


Slide22: THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION I WELCOME ANY QUESTIONS