Background
The SAGE+ program is being evaluated as part of the Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project, which is funding nine community organisations and their prevention of sexual violence programs. Brisbane Youth Service has created the program through a six-month development process with the research team at La Trobe University, inclusive of developing a rigorous evaluation plan. SAGE+ is a 10-week psychoeducational program designed for young LGBTQ+ adults (age 18-25) with lived experience of domestic, family, and sexual violence, and of homelessness.
Aim
The program aims to enhance LGBTQ+ young adults’ sense of community, self-esteem, and knowledge of safe and healthy relationships and create a trauma-informed space for LGBTQ+ young adults.
Methods
The evaluation will employ quantitative and creative qualitative methods to gain in-depth insights into the program’s effectiveness in enhancing young adults’ (18 to 25) knowledge and skills surrounding friendships and relationships.
The design includes:
>Interviews and focus groups
>Pre- and post-surveys
>Art-based data
Significance
SAGE+ is a critical prevention intervention focused on the intersection of sexual violence, LGBTQ+ experiences, and homelessness. The program is designed for LGBTQ+ young adults with lived experience of housing insecurity and trauma. It aims to enhance wellbeing and self-confidence through inclusive, strengths-based psychoeducation on healthy and safe friendships and relationships. Brisbane Youth Service offers wraparound support, including travel, a meal, and childminding, to actively remove barriers to participation and increase equity of access. The program also delivers social benefits by working to promote LGBTQ+ community connection, improve participants’ confidence and skills, and create safer relational environments. Through a realist evaluation, the research team will generate practical insights into what works, for whom, and under what conditions. These findings will inform future sexual violence prevention efforts. BYS employees are also being upskilled in realist evaluation methods, enhancing professional capability within the sector. The research outcomes will inform policy and service provision in LGBTQ+ and housing sectors, offering evidence to advocate for increased investment in inclusive, trauma-informed sexual violence prevention. In doing so, SAGE+ contributes to reducing health inequities and improving the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people, aligning strongly with La Trobe’s focus on inclusive communities, improved access to services, and social justice.
Funding Body
La Trobe University and Department of Social Services
Project start date
May 2025
Expected completion date
December 2026 
