Student Voice sessions
Listening to young people to shape future prevention
September 2026
As part of the DV2650 Men as Allies project, Wagga Women’s Health Centre facilitated a series of Student Voice Sessions at The Riverina Anglican College in September 2026.
Across two days, 46 students participated in eight sessions, held in male and female groups across different year and leadership levels. Men as Allies Feedback_Student …
The sessions were designed to give young people a genuine opportunity to talk about respectful relationships, safety and the issues affecting them, while helping shape future prevention activities within the school community.
Through small group discussions and interactive activities, students explored respectful relationships, trusted support people, recognising concerning behaviour and what it means to be an upstander. They were encouraged to talk about what they already understood, what they found confusing and what they wanted to learn more about.
“I liked talking about the things I don’t understand. You made it a really safe space.”
Giving students a voice
A key focus of the sessions was making sure young people felt heard rather than simply being told what adults thought they needed to know.
Feedback showed:
100% of students rated the sessions as excellent or good
100% felt listened to and respected
98% felt they had enough opportunities to have their say. Men as Allies Feedback_Student …
Students also described valuing the opportunity to hear different perspectives and talk about topics they did not always understand in a safe environment. Men as Allies Feedback_Student …
What students told us
The sessions did more than provide education. They helped identify what young people want from future respectful relationships and violence prevention activities.
Students said they would like smaller, more regular conversations, supported by a combination of external facilitators and trusted teachers who could build ongoing relationships with them. Men as Allies Feedback_Student …
They also wanted more practical, real-life guidance, including:
what to say when something does not feel right
how to support a friend without making the situation worse
how to be an upstander
how to recognise unhealthy behaviour and red flags
how to respond when concerning behaviour comes from an authority figure, such as a parent, teacher or coach. Men as Allies Feedback_Student …
Students identified a wide range of issues they wanted more opportunities to discuss, including friendships and gossip, unhealthy behaviour in non-romantic relationships, bullying, emotions and empathy, social media and peer influence, diversity and cultural considerations, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Men as Allies Feedback_Student …
Shaping what comes next
The Student Voice Sessions provided valuable insight into how prevention initiatives can better connect with young people.
Student feedback collected through discussions, activities and a post-session survey will help inform the content and format of the next stage of the project, ensuring future activities respond to what students themselves say they need. Men as Allies Feedback_Student …
By listening first, DV2650 can support prevention activities that are relevant, practical and grounded in the real experiences and questions of young people.
About the Men As Allies Project
The Men as Allies Project is a 12-month community initiative delivered by Wagga Women's Health Centre through DV:2650, supporting men and boys to play a positive role in preventing domestic and family violence in Wagga Wagga.
The project brings together local leaders, sporting clubs, workplaces, schools and community members to learn, collaborate and take meaningful action. Through training, community events and local partnerships, Men as Allies aims to build the skills, confidence and connections needed to create safer, more respectful communities for everyone.