What is SoSafe?
A set of visual and conceptual tools, the SoSafe Framework has been developed to promote social and sexual safety for people with disability, their supporters, and communities.
Developed in Canberra over 25 years ago by two specialist school teachers, SoSafe remains an essential resource for creating social and sexual safety. SoSafe version three expands and builds on the framework of the previous two editions.
By reframing disability through a rights-based lens that affirms capability, dignity, and sexuality, SoSafe prevents violence against people with disability. The Framework provides a foundation for lifelong relationships and sexuality education, while acknowledging that relationships are learnt about in relationships. Safe relationships are a protective factor in promoting safety and a foundation for healthy self-esteem and a sense of empowerment.
Core Elements of SoSafe
Four core elements create the SoSafe Framework:
This includes definitions for key concepts, such as ‘Friend is someone I know, like and help’. To ensure definitions are easily understood and memorable, most use easy English and a three-element structure.
Three tools are fundamental to the implementation of SoSafe: the Talk Touch Triangle, Steps to Relationship, and the People and Relationships Book.
SoSafe rules focus on safety, not morality. They include naming types of touch such as ‘side hug and handshake’, asking for consent before touching someone, and reaffirming that friends need to be voluntary and mutual.
Across an organisation, consistent SoSafe practices could include ensuring that all people with disability have three OK Helpers they can talk to about any worries or concerns.
How SoSafe Works
Informed and established within the social model of disability rather than the medical model, the SoSafe Framework aims to create cultures of social and sexual safety. This is achieved by encouraging organisations and systems to stop the perpetuation of violence and remove barriers that create disadvantage, while ensuring SoSafe's consistent language, tools, rules, and practices are embedded in their operations, activities, and values.
Links to SHFPACT and Safer Me Safer You
For 50 years, Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) has provided clinical, training and education services in Canberra and the region to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes for many people in our community. SHFPACT has been delivering SoSafe training for nearly 25 years!
SoSafe is a product of SHFPACT. The SoSafe refresh is led by the Safer Me Safer You (SMSY) team. Visit the Safer Me Safer You website for more information.