The department is working with a range of schools to create illustrations of Respectful Relationships Education (RRE) practice. There are a range of key indicators of RRE practice in schools.

The indicators of evidence-informed, effective RRE practice aligned to School Excellence Framework (SEF) themes. They include observable behaviours of key personnel driving RRE implementation in schools.

Schools are key in promoting gender equality, non-violence, respect and inclusion because they:

• can be universally accessed
• are fundamental in the social, emotional and cognitive development of children and young people
• provide safe and supportive environments for peer support, which is critical
• promote spaces for having open discussions to equip students to support each other
• connect to broader communities, allowing school learning to be shared with society.

Building respectful and equal relationships in schools and the wider community helps create a culture of:

• gender equality
• non-violence
• respect
• inclusion.

Impacts and benefits of RRE

The short-term impacts of effective whole-school RRE include:

• challenging attitudes supportive of violence
• promoting respectful behaviour
• opposing gender stereotypes
• stronger institutional commitment to gender equality.

The long-term benefits of RRE include:

• reduced gender-based bullying and harassment
• more gender-equitable school cultures
• the removal of violence-supportive norms.

RRE in schools can lead to:

• improved student classroom behaviour, and student–student and teacher–student relationships
• modelling of positive attitudes and behaviours
• increased student knowledge and confidence in discussing
  • domestic violence
  • gender equality
  • respectful relationships
• more positive student attitudes towards gender equality and respectful relationships
• improved student skills to recognise discrimination and challenge gender stereotypes
• enhanced teacher understanding of the need for effective RRE
• development of staff gender equality and respectful relationships policies and procedures.