Power Community Limited has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to preventing gender-based violence, with 25,000 young people now educated through its Power to End Violence Against Women and Empowered programs.
Since launching the Power to End Violence Against Women program in 2016, Power Community Limited has used the power of sport to spark meaningful conversations with Year 10 students about respectful relationships, gender equality and the drivers of gendered based violence.
Developed alongside Centacare Catholic Community Services and the South Australian Government, the evidence-informed program complements the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum delivered in schools across South Australia.
The milestone reflects the continued growth of the initiative, which has expanded beyond the original program for young men to include Empowered, supporting young women to build a positive sense of self, identify healthy relationships and challenge harmful gender stereotypes.
With support from the Office for Women through the Break the Cycle campaign, the program has also been adapted to work specifically with First Nations young people, addressing the disproportionate rates of family violence in First Nations communities.
The programs have now educated 25,000 students, helping equip the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to build respectful relationships.
Power Community Limited General Manager Jake Battifuoco said reaching the milestone was a testament to the strength of long-term partnerships and the importance of early intervention.
"Reaching 25,000 young people is an incredible milestone and one that reflects the commitment of our team, schools and partners to creating lasting social change,” Mr Battifuoco said.
"Every student we engage represents another opportunity to challenge harmful attitudes, promote respect and empower young people to become positive influences within their schools, families and communities.
"We're incredibly proud of what has been achieved together over the past decade, but we know this work is more important than ever. We'll continue to grow these programs so even more young people have the knowledge and confidence to build respectful, equal relationships”
Power Community Ltd is pleased to announce that Catholic Education South Australia has joined Centacare as a funding partner for our Respectful Relationships program, deepening our collective ability to reach more young people across South Australia.
Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director of Catholic Education South Australia, said the programs aligned closely with Catholic Education's values.
“The programs have played a strong role in reinforcing and promoting Catholic Education’s own values when it comes to promoting healthy, respectful relationships and gender equality,” Dr McGoran said.
"Catholic Education believes in the dignity of each person and promoting inclusivity, sensitivity, justice and compassion and these programs reflect and enhance those beliefs to our students.”
The partnership between Power Community Limited and Centacare Catholic Community Services has also continued to evolve to meet the changing challenges facing young people.
Centacare Catholic Community Services Executive Director Leanne Haddad said the addition of the Power UP online safety program was a natural extension of the organisations' shared commitment to prevention.
“Programs like Power to End Violence Against Women and Empowered show the importance of engaging young people early – helping build respectful relationships, challenge harmful attitudes and create safer communities for the future,” Mrs Haddad said.
“Over time, this partnership has continued to evolve alongside the realities young people face – including online environments and digital safety – while remaining grounded in prevention, respect and wellbeing.”
Launched to help young people navigate the online world safely, Power UP provides students aged 15 to 17 with practical, evidence-informed strategies around digital safety, respectful online behaviour, consent, cyberbullying and healthy social media habits.
Together, the suite of respectful relationships and online safety programs reflects Power Community Limited's ongoing commitment to using the power of sport to create safer, stronger and more inclusive communities, ensuring young people are equipped to build healthy relationships both on and offline.
