Roz Ward Safe Schools Coalition Victoria

Funded by DEECD to; Provide support for schools to tackle homophobia and support gender and sexual diversity Provide professional development opportunities for all school staff Create and distribute improved and updated resources for teachers and students Develop membership for schools and school workers Provide support for students to lead change and get involved in anti-homophobia projects

2010, n= , n= , n=1749

Young people no longer accept discrimination and abuse quietly. Young people expect to have families and marriage. Many young people are demanding to have their sexuality and their faith.

10% always knew 33% knew before puberty 66% knew at puberty

61% were verbally abused because of their sexuality (44% in 1998, 46% in 2004) [I’ve been told] that im going to hell because im gay. that a good hard cock will change my mind. that being gay is evolutions way of killing me off. that i dont know myself enough to know im gay. that i should be shot at or killed. that i'm fucked in the head because i am gay. (Caz, 19 years) You’re a fucking disgusting faggot" "your a dirty cock sucker" "god hates you" "your gay because your daddy raped you arnt ya? (Ray, 17 years)

18% were physically assaulted because of their sexuality (14% in 1998; 16% in 2004) I have been beat up numerous times since coming out at 14/15 at school. I was beat up by 3 men at a local pub because i wouldn't tell them about my sexual encounters, or go home with them. i also got beat and kicked out by my dad when he found out i was gay. (Liam 20yrs)

80% at school (74% in 2004) 40% at social occasions 35% in the street (47% in 2004) 24% at home (18% in 2004) 17% at work

Young people who have been physically or verbally abused; Feel less safe Are more likely to self harm (62% of those who are physically abused / 22% non) Are more likely to abuse drugs, drink and smoke

‘I left school/let my grades slip because I truly believed I couldn't live in this world, and that I wouldn't need an education because I'd kill myself before it mattered. I suffered severe clinical depression (which still affects me, to a lesser extent) and self harmed constantly and to a physically dangerous extent - I stopped it a year and several months ago and I still have large, visible scars’. (Reagan, 17 years)

‘People often use the word gay, not even homophobic people. They don’t see it as an insult, they’re not trying to be insulting, but I’m insulted’ (Josh, age 20) ‘When I was in school my friends and I tried to start a gay straight alliance but we weren’t allowed to, and I asked to do a speech for a class on homophobia in schools but I was told I couldn’t’ (Kath, age 19) ‘At first I missed days, then quit school all together for a time, before finally moving to a new school, where no one really know much about me, but they all seem fine with anything’ (Tim, age 15)

1 in 3 couldn’t concentrate 1 in 5 missed classes; missed days at school; marks dropped; hid at recess 1 in 8 didn’t use change rooms; dropped out of sport 1 in10 didn’t use the toilets; moved schools; dropped out altogether

1. Historically there has been broad institutional backing for homophobic beliefs. 2. It is harder for those working with young people to challenge homophobic abuse than other bullying such as that based on race or gender. 3. It is more difficult for young people to access help 4. The alienation from homophobic bullying is likely to be more absolute.

Young people are more likely to have disclosed; 82% in % in % in 2010 Young people continue to feel better about their sexuality; 60% felt good in % in % in 2010

School membership? Training opportunities? Sharing resources? Links with local services?

Roz Ward (03)