(e) Respectful relationships education 157. There is a need to address the root causes of family and domestic violence, including gender inequality, in order to see a change in prevalence rates.113 158. The need to increase community understanding of family and domestic violence is evident in research commissioned by OurWatch in 2015, which shows that a significant number of young people continue to hold views that tolerate violence against women and girls.114 159. The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children identifies school-based Respectful Relationships Education as one initiative for instilling generational change.115 The Commission welcomes the inclusion of this in the national curriculum, with programs starting from Kindergarten.116 An evaluation of respectful relationships projects in July 2014 indicated that, overall, they have a positive impact on students across all age groups.117 Recommendation 23: Australian Governments ensure all children receive respectful relationships education targeted to different group needs. (f) Therapeutic interventions and support for children affected by family and domestic violence 160. While there are a number of promising initiatives to support children affected by family and domestic violence, the NCC found that limited information exists about the extent that these are made available to or accessed by children, or the outcomes for children who use such services.118 Children are often supported in the context of the needs of the parent escaping family and domestic violence, rather than in response to their specific therapeutic needs. 161. As highlighted in the final report of the 2016 Victorian Royal Commission on Family Violence: Although children are remarkably resilient, and many who experience violence and abuse go on to lead full and productive lives, there are many who will need counselling and/or other support to overcome the impacts of the abuse, which may otherwise render them vulnerable to becoming a victim of family violence as an adult, or using violence themselves.119 162. The Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission in its submission, and other stakeholders at the NT Roundtable, highlighted the critical role that women’s shelters and refuges can play in supporting children affected 28