Evaluation of the Women’s SupPORT Pathways Project
The CIJ’s independent evaluation of the Women’s SupPORT Pathways project, delivered by the Law and Advocacy Centre for Women (LACW), has found evidence of a range of positive impacts from this innovative, gender-based sports program.
With funding from the Victorian Crime Prevention Innovation Fund, the project linked criminalised women, and women at risk of contact with the justice system, with community football clubs and fitness activities, providing opportunities for a sense of connection and belonging in a mainstream context. The LACW project team provided trauma-informed case managed support for women linked with clubs, while at the same time guiding and supporting clubs to deliver a welcoming and inclusive experience for the participants. Footy clinics and fitness sessions were also delivered to women in prison and in social housing settings.
The final report outlines the many ways the Pathways project resulted in positive impacts both for the participating women, and for the club members who signed up for the project. Shedding light on some of the challenges encountered in delivering the project has allowed LACW to strengthen and expand the model, while also contributing to the knowledge base on delivering sports-based interventions for women with complex life histories and support needs.
You can read a summary of the key findings and the full report below.
