Evaluation of Learning Consent’s Whole of Schools Program

Background

The Learning Consent Whole of School program is being evaluated as part of the Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project, which is funding nine community organisation and their prevention of sexual violence programs. Learning Consent has developed the program, which has then gone through a 6-month development process with the research team at La Trobe University, which has included developing a rigorous evaluation plan. The program is designed for students from Prep/K to Secondary School, their parents, school staff, and is delivered by teachers.

Aim

The program aims to address the drivers of sexual violence by engaging students from early primary through to secondary school to challenge gender norms, harmful masculinities, and stereotypes that normalise harmful power dynamics in relationships and heighten the risk of sexual violence.

Methods

The evaluation will use a longitudinal, mixed-methods approach to document the program's effectiveness. Student will receive two doses of the program, approximately 6-months a part.

The design includes:
>Interviews and focus groups
>Pre- and post-surveys
>Fidelity sheets

Significance

The evaluation of the Learning Consent whole-of-school program has critical policy and practice implications. By measuring process and outcomes, it will generate robust evidence on program effectiveness, informing scalable primary prevention strategies for sexual violence. The research may contribute to improvements in public health, mental health and wellbeing by generating new evidence on effective ways to deliver early, developmentally appropriate consent and respectful relationships (CRRE) education for the prevention of sexual violence. Findings can guide government agencies and policymakers in their consent education mandate by ensuring CRRE programs are evidence-based. By spanning Prep/k to Year 10, the study ensures accessibility for diverse ages and developmental stages. Embedded in a larger primary prevention initiative, this evaluation strengthens the case for systemic, school-based interventions as a public health priority.

Funding Body

La Trobe University and Department of Social Services

Project start date

May 2025

Expected completion date

December 2026