R4RESPECT
“Don’t Be a Bad Apple”
youth-generated animated clips to counter domestic violence
Young people in Logan City who are leading discussions and actions towards ending gender-based violence in their region, have teamed up with Griffith Film School to produce a series of animated clips titled “Don’t be a Bad Apple”, that challenge harmful behaviours in relationships.
The short films are part of the R4Respect youth domestic violence prevention program, which is one of the Building Safe Communities for Women and their Children projects undertaking action research, supported though ANROWS Action Research Support Project.
Andrew Taukolo, Youth Ambassador with R4Respect, said the clips use quirky, fun images and text to spark the interest of young people. “Top marks to the lead designer, Will Pietsch, a Griffith University animation student; he’s clever and sensitive in the way he gets message across,” Andrew said.
Andrew sees violence in his Pacific Island culture and community wide. He sees the harm it causes. He and his young team step out in front of classrooms and public gatherings every week. They are showing what respect in relationships means and what crosses the line into harm.
R4Respect Youth Ambassadors have clear messages to get across:
- We all have the right to be free of abuse and violence.
- Respect means being fair and valuing others as equals.
- Value diversity. Value culture. Celebrate difference.
- Negotiate through disagreements. Don’t hit out.
The series of short animations deal with coercion, control, sexting, cat calling and locker room talk. “They’re by young people for young people, which is the fundamental principle of R4Respect’s peer engagement approach,” said Cath Bartolo, CEO of Logan-based YFS which is home to R4Respect.