Introduction
Protective Behaviours is a personal safety program first introduced to Australia in 1985 as an educational strategy to prevent child abuse.
Prior to its introduction our response to physical, sexual and emotional abuse focussed on strategies aimed at avoiding abuse by strangers (e.g. 'Stranger Danger').
While we cannot ignore the possibility that people may be the victims of random acts of violence by unknown offenders, the overwhelming majority of all types of abuse is committed by a person known to the victim.
Protective Behaviours acknowledges this fact through its focus on maintaining the safety of the individual, rather than offender characteristics.
The success of the program has led to its adaptation to suit people of all ages and abilities, in all situations where personal safety is a concern.
Protective Behaviours emphasises the right to safety, networks and problem-solving strategies. It has proven effective in relation to a wide range of personal safety issues including drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, domestic violence and sexual harassment.
Overview
The Protective Behaviours program aims to enhance problem-solving and communication skills in people of all ages. It encourages individuals to identify situations that are unsafe or potentially unsafe, and to develop practical strategies to counter these situations in order to preserve their physical and emotional safety.
The Protective Behaviours program is based on two simple themes:
1. We all have the right to feel safe all the time.
This theme encourages participants to recognise their inherent right to feeling safe as well as to respect the right to safety of others.
2. Nothing is so awful that we can't talk with someone about it.
This theme encourages participants to identify and seek assistance from trusted people when they do not feel safe.
Rather than being a step-by-step teaching guide, the program provides a framework that individuals can adapt to suit their needs. Subsequently, the program focuses on 'empowering' the individual to take action in unsafe situations in order to restore them to a state of physical and emotional safety.
Last Updated: 18/11/2009