In light of the Queensland Government's decision to criminalise coercive control.
The Allison Baden-Clay Foundation, in light of Queensland's recent decision to criminalise coercive control, has unveiled the second phase of its Toxic Love Signs, produced by Queensland based Creative Agency, SLATE Media.
The campaign launches at the foundation's annual Strive To Be Kind Lunch on Friday, July 26.
Strive To Be Kind Day was introduced in 2012 in memory of Allison Baden-Clay, who was murdered by her husband, to encourage the community to spread kindness while increasing awareness of domestic and family violence.
This new phase of Toxic Love Signs introduces a video series and a Power and Control Wheel focused on technology abuse, addressing the pressing issues of social media and sexting in young relationships.
Since the initial launch of the campaign last year, schools, youth groups, and police forces across the country have used the videos in their respectful relationships education programs.
The tool aims to educate young people on the potential dangers and signs of technological abuse.
"There are many programs and organisations for those fleeing abusive relationships, but primary prevention education is crucial. Teaching young people to recognise red flags early can prevent the onset of domestic violence," Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council co-chair and chair of the board of directors for the foundation Vanessa Fowler said.
As a school teacher, Fowler is passionate about educating bystanders and peers to speak up and identify toxic relationships.
The four new videos depict toxic behaviours in youth relationships (ages 14-18), including isolation, gaslighting, technology abuse (sexting), and diminishing self-esteem.
SLATE Media creative director Matt Pettigrew said it’s a pleasure to help produce this campaign again with the team.
"As a younger agency, advocacy on this topic for change to educate the younger community is such a necessary step to make sure that Domestic Violence education has a more tailored approach," he said.
Fowler said this campaign teaches young people about healthy relationships, consent, and respect, providing them the necessary knowledge and tools to recognise the signs of coercive control, develop respectful relationships, and become advocates for positive change.
"It is through educating our young people that we will see the generational change necessary to prevent domestic abuse," she said.
The campaign's website (www.toxiclovesigns.com.au) offers resources and outreach groups to further educate and assist young people in unhealthy relationships, including Our Watch, Men4Respect, and Kids Helpline.
Credits:
Partner - Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC)
Creative ‘Pro Bono’ Team - M4M Agency
Production Team - Slate Media
