Respectful Relationships

Identity

The establishment of a unique personality. Refers to how an individual defines themselves and is based on beliefs and values. Identity also evolves over time.

Factors that influence identity

Culture/ethnicity, Parents, Siblings, School, Friends, Society

Beliefs

Relates to what an individual feels to be right or true, even though the belief may be unproven.

Values

Relates to what an individual feels to be important to life.

Gender

Is a part of a person’s personal and social identity and refers to the way a person feels and sees themselves.

Sex

Refers to a person’s biological sex characteristics, and includes their reproductive organs.

Sexuality

Describes a person’s sexual/romantic attraction to others.

Active listening

1. Listen: Actively hear what is being said.

2. Acknowledge: Let the person know you have heard what they have said & accept the feelings behind the words.

3. Clarify: Check to see that you have understood the meaning of the message 

4. Enquire: Ask if there is any further information you need to have.

Communication styles

 

Assertive Communication	A communication style where individuals clearly and directly express their thoughts, feelings, and needs while respecting the rights and opinions of others. It emphasises both peoples’ needs
Aggressive Communication	A person only expresses their own needs, wants and feelings. The other person is bullied, and their needs are ignored.
Passive Communication	A person prioritises the needs, wants and feelings of others, even at their own expense.

Boundaries

Boundaries: are limits or rules we set for ourselves to protect our wellbeing. 

Boundaries help define what we are comfortable with and how we expect others to treat us.
WE set our own boundaries and it is up to others if they respect them.

Types of Boundaries

Physical, Sexual, Material, Time, Emotional, Digital

Boundaries vs Control

Boundaries are about protecting your own space - uses “I statements”

Control is about disregarding someone’s autonomy - uses words like “we” and “you”

How to navigate breach of boundaries

1. Pause and check in with yourself

2. Name the behaviour

3. Restate/reinforce your boundary

4. Decide what to do next

Sexual consent

A free, voluntary and informed agreement between people to participate in a sexual act

Characteristics of Consent

Mutual, freely given, informed, certain and clear, enthusiastic, reversible, specific and ongoing

Age of consent

 

Under 12 Years	12 - 15 Years
Cannot legally consent to any type of sexual encounter.	Can legally consent to a sexual encounter with someone who is within two years of their age.
16 - 18 Years	18+ Years
Can legally consent to anyone as long as they do not hold a position of power over them.	Can legally consent to anyone who is 16 Years or older.

Giving consent

Looks like: smiling, nodding

Sounds like: “yes”, “sure, go ahead”

Feels like: safe, happy

Denying consent

Looks like: shaking head, avoiding eye contact

Sounds like: “no”, "I’m not comfortable with that”

Feels like: firm, strong

Stereotype

Stereotypes are oversimplified beliefs about people based on their membership in a particular group.

Media stereotype

Media stereotypes refer to the stereotypes that are normalised and reinforced through mass media.

Critique how the media portrays gender, sex and sexuality.

Media portrayals of gender, sex and sexuality are often not realistic.

Many of the media’s messages about gender and sex can be harmful, undermine gender equity and respectful relationships and negatively affect individual and community wellbeing.

Laws regarding possession of child material

Exceptions to child abuse material offences

• You cannot be prosecuted for child abuse material offences if you take or store indecent images of yourself.

It is also not a child abuse material offence if you are under 18 years old and:

• no person in the image is more than two years younger than you

• the image does not show an act that is serious criminal offence.

Consequences of Sexting

Legal Consequences 

Sending or receiving such material could result in:

• Police investigation

• Legal charges

• Inclusion on a sex offender register (in some cases)

Personal Consequences 

• Influence on career

• Emotional/mental health impacts 

• Loss of friendships/relationships 

• Regret 

• Objectification/victimisation