Your Body, Your Choice, a “first of its kind” multi-language sexual assault resource, has been honoured for excellence in community engagement at the 2019 NSW International Student Awards held at Government House in October.
The factsheet is available in 11 languages and contains important information for all students who have experienced sexual assault, with key messaging specifically for international students addressing the fact that many international students do not know where to seek help about a sexual assault incident, or are afraid to access support.
It was developed in consultation with Rape Crisis NSW, NSW Health Sexual Assault Service and NSW Police and is based on casework findings from Redfern Legal Centre (RLC) and a series of forums held by City of Sydney Council.
“This award is important recognition from government about the critical need to support all students who have experienced sexual assault,” said Sean Stimson, head solicitor at RLC’s International Student Legal Service NSW. “We were proud to partner with City of Sydney and Study NSW to deliver the important message to international students that sexual assault is a crime which people should not be afraid to report.”
“International students bring so much to our city, and it’s our responsibility as a community to ensure their safety while here,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. “We’re proud to have been able to support this groundbreaking resource and provide essential support to students who may not otherwise know where to seek help.”
Your Body, Your Choice is available in print and online, and is being circulated to international student education providers and support organisations.
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To order copies of the resource contact Finn O’Keefe, RLC Communications Manager: 9698 7277; 0424 548 019; finn@rlc.org.au
