It Starts With Us follows a group of teenagers living on the frontlines of Australia’s family violence epidemic, as they come together in a prevention program aimed at stopping violence before it starts. This unique program, Project O, fosters connections between young people, artistic mentors, and advocates like Rosie Batty, giving young people the rare opportunity to be heard. Through songwriting workshops, the teenagers - who struggle with housing insecurity, bullying, exclusion and low self-esteem - find a way to turn the stories of their lives into powerful lyrics that give voice to their often invisible experiences. Together they explore how to break generational cycles of violence and practice respect, equality, independence and leadership. When they perform their original song at the school's awards night, they surprise their families and even themselves with what they’ve learned. It Starts With Us reveals the powerful and real-world impact of prevention in action.
Writer/Director: Amelia Tovey
Producer: Sophia Marinos
Colourist: Justin Tran
Sound Mixer: David McCarthy
Online Editor: Rob Sarroff
Premiered 6.30pm Sunday August 17 on Compass, ABC TV and then on iView
