Evaluation of White Ribbon Australia’s “Engaging communities in sexual violence primary prevention” project
September 2024
Between 2021 and 2023, White Ribbon Australia (White Ribbon) delivered the “Engaging communities in sexual violence primary prevention” project. White Ribbon established Community Action Groups (CAGs) in local communities across Australia, aiming to address gender inequality and prevent violence against women (VAW), including sexual violence. ANROWS was commissioned to evaluate this project
Under the Fourth Action Plan (2019–2022) to the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022, the Australian Government provided funding to White Ribbon Australia (White Ribbon ) to deliver the “Engaging communities in sexual violence primary prevention” project.
Community-led groups can function as central pillars for driving whole-of-community action to prevent violence against women (VAW). The project involved establishing 17 Community Action Groups (CAGs) comprised of community volunteers, student groups, sporting groups, not-for-profit organisations and local governments across Australia. The project aimed to support communities to deliver activities, including:
- advocacy and awareness-raising activities
- developing tools and resources
- training and capacity building
- reflective practice
- media campaigns
- local events.
Under the CAG model, White Ribbon plays a supporting role to community groups by providing funding, guidance and resources, planning assistance, training, promotion and networking opportunities to support CAGs to effectively implement activities aimed at preventing VAW.
Evaluation aim/s
The evaluation focused on examining both the implementation of the CAG model and its effectiveness in achieving short-term outcomes. The purpose of the evaluation was to generate knowledge to inform decision-making regarding the future design and implementation of the CAG model, as well as broader lessons that could be used to guide other community-based primary prevention initiatives.
Methods
ANROWS developed the evaluation approach in consultation with White Ribbon and the Department of Social Services. The evaluation adopted a mixed methods approach, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data sources to develop findings about the implementation and short-term effectiveness of the CAG model. The evaluation included surveys, interviews and document analysis.
The evaluation team engaged a paid panel of lived experience advisors who advised on the evaluation approach and data collection tools.
Significance
The evaluation provides learnings for organisations who are seeking to fund, design or implement community-based primary prevention programs. While the findings relate to the use of the CAG model in particular, the lessons learned are more broadly applicable to many community-based programs in a range of social, cultural and jurisdictional contexts.
Explore more ANROWS action research and evaluation findings.
Researchers
Project lead
Dr Rieko Fukushima Byrom, ANROWS
Project Team
Callum Sandison, ANROWS
Lauren Hamilton, ANROWS
Chloe Jacob, ANROWS
Dr Peter Ninnes, ANROWS
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