A new program, the Love Rights project, is working to address a critical gap in support for Australians with disability who are at heightened risk of experiencing sexual and domestic violence. Created by Northcott Disability Services and funded by the NSW government, the project offers online resources and training focused on safe relationships, consent, and recognizing abuse.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
According to a 2021 report by the Disability Royal Commission, over 60 percent of Australians with disability have experienced some form of violence – physical, social, intimate partner, or emotional. Liz Forsyth, chief executive at Northcott Disability Services, explained to SBS News that people with disability “often don’t have access to education resources and support” needed to understand healthy relationships and protect themselves.
The program aims to empower individuals by providing education and fostering open conversations. Patrick Rory-John, a psychotherapist and counsellor with Northcott Disability Services, emphasized that “you can’t prevent what you can’t name,” highlighting the pivotal role of education in identifying and addressing abusive situations.
Rory-John also noted the importance of shifting the focus from surveillance to empowerment, stating that conversations should center on whether individuals “feel heard” and “feel like your autonomy is being respected.”
Initial results from the program are promising, with 84 percent of participants reporting increased confidence in expressing their relationship needs. Dale Ryan, a participant in the program, shared with SBS News that it “feels really good to have a voice that’s actually being heard” and to be able to contribute to preventing sexual violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Love Rights project offer?
The Love Rights project offers online educational resources and training aimed at reducing sexual violence for people with disability and providing information on how to enjoy intimacy and connection in a safe, respectful, and understanding environment.
What percentage of Australians with disability have experienced violence?
According to a 2021 Disability Royal Commission report, more than 60 percent of Australians with disability have experienced physical, social, intimate partner violence, or emotional abuse.
What is a key focus of the program’s approach to safety?
The program emphasizes asking individuals if they “feel heard” and if their “autonomy is being respected,” rather than focusing on surveillance, as a way to foster open communication and empowerment.
How can increased awareness and education around consent and healthy relationships impact the lives of people with disabilities?
