Taylor Scholars at St Andrew’s College work on a wide range of projects to improve the lives of residential students. This year, Suzie Glenday’s Taylor project is focused on fostering healthy relationships among students, by raising awareness about the patterns and hallmarks of domestic violence.
Suzie recently invited Jess Hill, a Walkley-award winning investigative journalist who’s been reporting on domestic violence for several years, to speak directly to the students of St Andrew’s College on this subject. Jess is the author of See What You Made Me Do – a book and SBS series.
Jess tailored the content to the age and circumstances of the audience and was clear that the patterns of behaviour could apply equally to heterosexual, single-sex and family relationships as well as friendships. A robust Q&A session at the end of the presentation allowed students to ask about the issues in more depth. The online event attracted 135 students – 52% female and 48% male.
Suzie said: “I have had a fantastic reaction to the seminar. People have been reaching out to me and saying they have been re-thinking previous relationships and behaviour in light of this. With the rapid growth and many intricacies of technology, more subtle forms of abuse such as emotional manipulation and coercive control are increasingly prevalent. Education is the most effective form of prevention, and I hope that by attending engaging seminars given by experts within the field, students will feel both more knowledgeable and empowered to speak up and make a change.”
In another part of her project, during Domestic Violence Awareness month in May, Suzie and fellow students raised $2,000 in cash and goods for a Women’s Emergency Centre in Redfern.
Students at St Andrew’s College undertake a range of compulsory and voluntary training at College in the area of ‘Respectful Relationships’. These are run by a range of external and internal presenters and topics include Consent, Sexual Relationships and Critical Conversations about Sex as well as training in:
- Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics: Diversity and Ally
- Consent Matters
- Sexual Misconduct
- LGBTQI+ Support
- Disclosure
- Ethical use of social media
- Accessing supports
- Confidentiality
- Vicarious trauma
- Cultural Competence
- Mental Health First Aid
- Alcohol and Drugs
- First Aid and CPR
Dr Hester Wilson, Vice Principal said: “It is wonderful to see the development of Suzie’s Taylor scholarship and her commitment to giving back to our community. Intimate and family violence is a potentially devastating issue for all those affected by it. Increasing awareness of this subject to ensure members of our community can recognise it and respond to it well is of great importance.”
During her time at St Andrew’s, Suzie has been a volunteer and committee member for a respite camp for children with disability and volunteered at Newtown Mission. She also served as a Pastoral Care Leader and Mentor, providing support and guidance to other students. Suzie is qualified in Mental Health First Aid, general first aid, and CPR.
Suzie is studying for a BA in International, Global and Socio-Legal Studies with a social justice focus at the University of Sydney. Last year she gained a place on the Dean’s List of Excellence in Academic Performance. Suzie served as Vice-Captain and graduated Dux from Vincentia High School, a government school located on the South Coast of NSW.