Sexual Health
Sexual and reproductive health promotion is a difficult area to traverse as it is not only about relationship and health education it is also heavily overlayed with values and beliefs. This may seem even more daunting when working with individuals and families from refugee backgrounds, given perceived cultural differences and language barriers, and the myriad of settlement tasks and adjustments that individuals and families are engaging in and undergoing during early settlement.
“The potential health impacts of STIs include multi-organ damage and congenital effects from syphilis, while chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and a risk of ectopic pregnancy. Maternal gonorrhoea and chlamydia can lead to severe neonatal conjunctivitis. There are personal health and public health reasons to detect these infections in individuals regardless of background and to limit their transmission in the community.
For information about approaches to sexual health for people from a refugee background please see the Refugee Health Guide.

CEH’s Multicultural Health & Support Service
CEH’s Multicultural Health & Support Service works with communities and health professionals to promote the health and wellbeing of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, asylum seekers and international students. Its goal is to prevent new incidences and transmission of STIs, HIV, blood borne viruses (BBVs) and viral hepatitis among these communities.
VisitContraception knowledge and attitudes: truths and myths among African Australian teenage mothers in Greater Melbourne, Australia
Visit1800 RESPECT:
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or through the online chat (interpreters available)
VisitFamily Planning Victoria
Here you will find a list of factsheets and video animations translated into languages other than English. These resources were produced in partnership with the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health.
VisitSexual Health Victoria
Sexual Health Victoria provides Multilingual Sexual Health Resources with a list of factsheets and video animations translated into languages other than English.
VisitMulticultural Health & Support Service (MHSS)
CEH’s Multicultural Health & Support Service works with communities and health professionals to promote the health and wellbeing of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, asylum seekers and international students. Its goal is to prevent new incidences and transmission of STIs, HIV, blood borne viruses (BBVs) and viral hepatitis among these communities.
Visit