Evaluation of the Sort Your Safety Program, Propser (Project Australia)

Background

The Sort Your Safety 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. Prosper (Project Australia) 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 will be delivered in a partnership between Prosper and Rainbow Families. The Sort Your Safety program is designed for young LGBTQ+ people in NSW and WA.

Aim

It aims to enhance participant understanding of sexual boundaries and increase self-esteem, knowledge of healthy and respectful relationships and connection to the LGBTQ+ community.

Methods

The evaluation will employ a combination of quantitative and creative qualitative methods to gain in-depth insights into the program’s effectiveness in enhancing young people’s (aged 16 to 18) knowledge and skills surrounding safe relationships.

The design includes:
>Interviews and focus groups (photovoice)
>Pre- and post-surveys
>Facilitator reflection sheets

Significance

The evaluation of the Sort Your Safety Program will have a powerful impact on the LGBTQ+ community, mental health and policy. Using photovoice method, the evaluation will contribute to community culture by displaying an exhibition of photos from young people depicting the impact of the program. Combined with evaluation findings, this research may springboard shifts in LGBTQ+ community discourse on the prevention of sexual violence for LGBTQ+ youth. In turn, the findings may be used to advocate for change for this group. targeting the outcome of increased community connection, a protective factor for preventing sexual violence, the program may prove beneficial to LGBTQ youth in safe relationships and pride in their community. The process evaluation aspect of the study will equip service providers with evidence to improve their professional practice. The findings will further contribute evidence currently lacking on strengths-based approaches and peer-to-peer relationships that may help to prevent sexual violence.

Funding Body

La Trobe University and Department of Social Services

Project start date

May 2025

Expected completion date

December 2026