NEWS WATCH
Stay informed of current affairs related to Body Safety, Consent, Gender Equality, Social and Emotional Intelligence, Diversity and Inclusion.
Red flags raised over Perth Royal Show child safety well before convicted child sex offender seen...
At the Perth Royal Show, a convicted child sex offender was found working at an exhibit involving children, sparking concerns over the lack of mandatory Working with Children Checks (WWCs) for commercial stallholders. Despite the offender's criminal history, he was able to operate at the event, highlighting significant gaps in safety protocols. The incident has prompted calls for tighter regulations and thorough checks for anyone working in environments with children, as existing policies only required volunteers to have WWCs, not commercial vendors. A former detective with the WA Police child sex abuse squad who now runs a talent agency that...
Red flags raised over Perth Royal Show child safety well before convicted child sex offender seen...
At the Perth Royal Show, a convicted child sex offender was found working at an exhibit involving children, sparking concerns over the lack of mandatory Working with Children Checks (WWCs) for commercial stallholders. Despite the offender's criminal history, he was able to operate at the event, highlighting significant gaps in...
Albany Council Rejects Calls to Ban Sex Education Books From Library.
A council in Albany, Western Australia, has rejected calls from a conservative group to remove and restrict access to two sex education books from its public library. The group argued that Welcome to Sex and Sex: A Book for Teens were inappropriate and crossed the line from education to promoting explicit acts. They proposed restricting access to Welcome to Sex for teens over 16 and removing Sex: A Book for Teens entirely until reviewed by the Australian Classification Board. Despite a petition and national attention, the council voted 8-3 to reject these motions. However, the council did agree to move...
Albany Council Rejects Calls to Ban Sex Education Books From Library.
A council in Albany, Western Australia, has rejected calls from a conservative group to remove and restrict access to two sex education books from its public library. The group argued that Welcome to Sex and Sex: A Book for Teens were inappropriate and crossed the line from education to promoting...
Supreme Court Advocates for Comprehensive Health and Sex Education in India
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala, emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive health and sex education for children and adolescents. The Court recommended that the Central government consider establishing an Expert Committee to devise a robust program aimed at addressing the significant gaps in knowledge and awareness surrounding health and sexual matters. The Court acknowledged that there are widespread misconceptions about sex education in India and a reluctance to talk openly about sexual health. Recognising that effective education in these areas is crucial for the well-being and safety...
Supreme Court Advocates for Comprehensive Health and Sex Education in India
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala, emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive health and sex education for children and adolescents. The Court recommended that the Central government consider establishing an Expert Committee to devise a robust program...
Nearly 10% of Men in NSW charged or arrested for domestic violence.
A new study by the Australian Institute of Criminology reveals that nearly 10% of men in New South Wales have had police take legal action against them for domestic and family violence by the age of 37. The study found nearly 10% of men had been involved in family and domestic violence offences. Notably, 1.2% of the population was responsible for over half of these offences. The majority of incidents involved intimate partner violence, but other relatives and household members were also perpetrators. This study highlights the pervasiveness of domestic violence, and these numbers are likely just the tip of...
Nearly 10% of Men in NSW charged or arrested for domestic violence.
A new study by the Australian Institute of Criminology reveals that nearly 10% of men in New South Wales have had police take legal action against them for domestic and family violence by the age of 37. The study found nearly 10% of men had been involved in family and...
How Social Media Algorithms Fuel Misogyny in Young Men’s Feeds
A recent experiment conducted by The Guardian reveals troubling insights into how social media algorithms, particularly on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, push sexist and misogynistic content onto young men’s feeds without any user engagement. By creating blank accounts, the study showed how quickly harmful content emerged, including offensive memes and images, based solely on the assumptions these platforms made about users' interests. This mirrors other research showing that platforms like YouTube and TikTok also guide young men toward problematic content, reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes and ideologies. Experts argue that these algorithms are "baked into the model," making it critical...
How Social Media Algorithms Fuel Misogyny in Young Men’s Feeds
A recent experiment conducted by The Guardian reveals troubling insights into how social media algorithms, particularly on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, push sexist and misogynistic content onto young men’s feeds without any user engagement. By creating blank accounts, the study showed how quickly harmful content emerged, including offensive memes...
Empowering Teens: How This School is Teaching Respect to Counter Harmful Gender Narratives"
A Myrtleford school is leading the way in teaching respect and consent through workshops aimed at countering the harmful effects of the manosphere. This proactive approach highlights the need for education that fosters healthy relationships and gender equality. Teaching young boys about gender equality, respect and empathy is crucial in shaping the men they will become. This foundation creates men who challenge harmful stereotypes, embrace equality and develop respectful relationships. Read Full Article
Empowering Teens: How This School is Teaching Respect to Counter Harmful Gender Narratives"
A Myrtleford school is leading the way in teaching respect and consent through workshops aimed at countering the harmful effects of the manosphere. This proactive approach highlights the need for education that fosters healthy relationships and gender equality. Teaching young boys about gender equality, respect and empathy is crucial in shaping the men...
Former Swim Coach Dick Caine Found Guilty of Raping Young Athletes
Former swim coach Richard "Dick" Caine has been found guilty of sexually assaulting six female athletes in the 1970s and 80s. Caine, now in his late 70s and in palliative care, committed 39 acts of rape and indecent assault on girls aged 10 to 16 at the Carss Park swimming pool, his home, and car. Despite his lawyers' attempt to keep his identity hidden, the court rejected this and upheld the victims' accounts as credible. The case will return to court in December to determine his penalty. Read Full Article
Former Swim Coach Dick Caine Found Guilty of Raping Young Athletes
Former swim coach Richard "Dick" Caine has been found guilty of sexually assaulting six female athletes in the 1970s and 80s. Caine, now in his late 70s and in palliative care, committed 39 acts of rape and indecent assault on girls aged 10 to 16 at the Carss Park swimming...
Consent education in schools is now mandated.
The NSW state government has officially released a new syllabus, reflecting the mandate for consent education in schools. Should teaching consent be solely the responsibility of educators, or is there a broader role for parents and the community in addressing this critical issue? While consent education in schools is an important part of raising empowered children, it must involve the whole family. Equipping children with the language and skills of consent and bodily autonomy at home from a very young age gives them the foundations to understand their rights, set boundaries, and respect others. Listen To Podcast
Consent education in schools is now mandated.
The NSW state government has officially released a new syllabus, reflecting the mandate for consent education in schools. Should teaching consent be solely the responsibility of educators, or is there a broader role for parents and the community in addressing this critical issue? While consent education in schools is an...
Senior Tasmanian police officer Paul Reynolds groomed more than 50 boys and young men.
Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, a Tasmanian police officer, groomed and sexually abused over 50 boys and young men from 1988 to 2018, an independent report by Regina Weiss found. Despite being under investigation, Reynolds received a full police funeral, a decision later apologized for by Police Commissioner Donna Adams. The report revealed Reynolds used his position and sports affiliations to target victims, promising to influence legal outcomes as a grooming tactic. Weiss recommended restorative processes, a redress scheme, and improved police-community relationships. Tasmania Police investigations in 2008 and 2018 were criticized for focusing more on protecting Reynolds' reputation than on...
Senior Tasmanian police officer Paul Reynolds groomed more than 50 boys and young men.
Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, a Tasmanian police officer, groomed and sexually abused over 50 boys and young men from 1988 to 2018, an independent report by Regina Weiss found. Despite being under investigation, Reynolds received a full police funeral, a decision later apologized for by Police Commissioner Donna Adams. The...
Victorian Education Department hired prolific, self-declared paedophile as teacher.
William Alexander Allen, a convicted child abuser, was employed as a teacher by the Victorian Education Department despite declaring in a 1970s job application that he was a convicted child abuser. Allen taught at several schools from 1973 to 1982 and continued to abuse students until his retirement. He first gained notoriety in the 1980s for boasting about sexually abusing 2,000 boys. His criminal activities were exposed during a police investigation, leading to his arrest and conviction for further offenses. Facing jail time, Allen died by suicide in 1985. The Victorian government has since acknowledged its failure to protect students...
Victorian Education Department hired prolific, self-declared paedophile as teacher.
William Alexander Allen, a convicted child abuser, was employed as a teacher by the Victorian Education Department despite declaring in a 1970s job application that he was a convicted child abuser. Allen taught at several schools from 1973 to 1982 and continued to abuse students until his retirement. He first...
Victorian Government Launches Truth-Telling Process and Apology for Historical Child Sexual Abuse
The Victorian government, led by Premier Jacinta Allan, has announced a $48-million truth-telling process aimed at survivors of historical child sexual abuse in government and independent schools. This initiative, addressing abuses prior to 2000, includes an independent review of the Education Department's responses. The process will run until 2026, culminating in a statewide apology in parliament. Education Minister Ben Carroll emphasized the government's commitment to implementing recommendations and enhancing support for survivors, acknowledging systemic failures to protect children. Read Full Article
Victorian Government Launches Truth-Telling Process and Apology for Historical Child Sexual Abuse
The Victorian government, led by Premier Jacinta Allan, has announced a $48-million truth-telling process aimed at survivors of historical child sexual abuse in government and independent schools. This initiative, addressing abuses prior to 2000, includes an independent review of the Education Department's responses. The process will run until 2026, culminating...