Rod visited Stacey and Kim from St Kilda Gatehouse to learn more about their Young Women’s Project.

This project is all about early intervention. The St Kilda Gatehouse team work with girls and women aged between 12 and 25 who are at risk of sexual exploitation.

This means providing emotional support, actively building their confidence and having really frank and honest conversations about consent, saying ‘no’ and the nature of exploitation. They also take these young women on adventures, hiking, birthday parties and other activities. This creates a wrap-around social support network that is absolutely critical for these at risk girls and women.

This is such important work. They give these young women the opportunity to be heard and a space to feel valued and respected. It takes really special people to do this job.

Rod, Stacey and Kim discussed the connection between sexual exploitation, homelessness, trauma and drug and alcohol addiction. One of the main lessons from the homelessness inquiry was that safe and affordable housing must come first.

Affordable housing needs to be a priority.

If you want to learn more about St Kilda Gatehouse and the Young Womens Project:

Website – http://www.stkildagatehouse.org.au/

Instagram – @stkildagatehouse @greevesstrecyclingshop

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/StKildaGatehouse