Respectful relationships – both romantic and platonic – are an important part of a healthy life. These connections are critical for both our mental and physical health, and they have the ability to bring out the best in us. Unfortunately, so many of us aren’t taught how to start and maintain healthy relationships and are often exposed to examples of unhealthy or abusive relationships during our childhood.
In this episode of TACT, Jen is joined by Dr Sheridan Kerr, who is a Senior Director at Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, to talk about how to build and maintain respectful relationships with the people in our lives. Dr Kerr and Jen discuss the qualities of a healthy relationship, signs of abusive behaviour and how to improve communication with your loved ones. It is important that you feel safe, seen and comfortable in all your relationships, and work on practicing open and honest communication. Recognising areas within yourself that need improvement is also fundamental to building long-term and fulfilling relationships with your friends, family and partners.
TACT is made possible thanks to a YWCA and Beyond Bank grant, and with the support of Women’s Health Matters, the voice for women’s health and wellbeing in the ACT; and Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT. The series is produced in partnership with The Owl at the University of Canberra.
You can share your thoughts, ideas and feedback by email (tactpodcast@gmail.com) or via the TACT podcast Facebook page.
Our theme song is Satisfied Minds by the fabulous Canberra band Miroji.
If anything we’ve talked about has raised concerns for you, there are many free support services you can reach out to for help, including:
Lifeline
13 11 14
Online chat
1800RESPECT
(1800 737 732)
Online chat
13 YARN
(13 92 76)
Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander support service
