Sexual Health Promotion Discussion Paper
CERSH Health Promotion Discussion paper October 2010
A discussion paper was written and distributed to the health promotion and sexual health field in October 2010 as one of the first steps undertaken by CERSH to explore the current context for sexual health promotion in the Hume region. It was designed to generate conversation and critique, and to present a focus for future discussion about strategic opportunities to enhance sexual health promotion in our region.
The discussion paper proposed that characteristics of sexual health promotion in a rural context include:
- understanding and working within each local rural context;
- addressing sexual health in priority populations within an inclusive practices framework;
- active and explicit engagement with the dynamics of difference, diversity and culture;
- using a range of health promotion actions;
- a strong acknowledged value base;
- an integrated and comprehensive approach to respectful relationships, violence prevention education and sexual health initiatives;
- intersectorial partnerships; and
- coordinated sexual health service provision.
A summary of the key health promotion frameworks and approaches most pertinent to sexual health promotion were outlined. Case studies of local sexual health promotion initiatives were researched and presented throughout this paper highlighting the effective practices and approaches of workers, organizations and communities in the Hume region to this point in time. A summary of the key policy documents and projects at a national, state and local level was included to provide the current policy context. The paper also outlined the proposed role of CERSH in health promotion. Feedback was invited from the health, education and community sectors. The sexual health field endorsed the proposed role of CERSH in taking a strategic role in supporting rural sexual health promotion through:
- leadership and co-ordination;
- project support;
- knowledge/evidence building;
- building workforce capacity for sexual health promotion;
- evaluation.