A Qualitative Process Evaluation of the Te Herenga Waka Respectful Relationships Modules

Sexual violence is a prominent issue in Aotearoa and has significant negative impacts on individuals, communities, and society. Tertiary students are reported to be at an increased risk of victimisation and therefore effective efforts to prevent harm within this group are essential. While awareness and intervention to prevent sexual violence within university communities is growing in Aotearoa, particularly following the implementation of the Pastoral Care Code (PCC), evaluation of these initiatives is limited. This thesis aimed to conduct a qualitative process evaluation of the Te Herenga Waka Respectful Relationships Modules, an online psychoeducation programme aimed at increasing awareness, reducing the incidence of sexual violence, and promoting bystander intervention. A qualitative survey was completed by 104 first-year students at Te Herenga Waka asking them about their perceptions and experiences of the Respectful Relationships Modules. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to create three themes: 1. From start to finish: Students’ experiences of engaging in the modules. 2. What difference does it make? Perceived social, personal, and communal impacts. 3. Your voice matters: Suggestions and desires for improvement. The findings suggest that the Respectful Relationships Modules are perceived favourably by most students, although the varying needs of the student community could be more effectively catered to. Suggestions for improvements to the Respectful Relationships Modules and directions for future research are discussed.