Yr 9 Health - consent

Consent

• NO ALWAYS MEANS NO

• A lack of an affirmative, positive, freely given ‘yes’ is also a ‘no’

• Consent is agreeing upon by both partners, and with clear understanding of what they’re agreeing to

• For consent to happen, a person needs to be given the chance to say ‘no’

—> consent can be withdrawn at any time at any point ppl can change their mind and withdraw consent

• consent can’t be assumed or implied

• Consent cannot be given wig a person is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, etc

• Sex without consent is considered rape

Affirmative consent

—> seeking and giving explicit informed & voluntary agreement

Affirmative consent can look like

• verbally asking and getting a yes

• A physical gesture like a nod

• Reciprocating intentions such as removing clothes, volunatarily

Elements of a healthy relationship - consent

• saying yes to any sexual activity/ touch without being pressured/forced

• Communication

Elements of a healthy relationship - respect

• understanding another person’s limits, boundaries, needs and wants. Everyone deserves respect

Elements of a healthy relationship - Mutuality

• the relationship is meant to be good for both partners. Sexual activity should be pressure and guilt free, enjoyable and safe for those who choose it

Elements of a healthy relationship - communication

• both parents should feel free to express their opinions & feelings, even if others disagree

Unethical sexual behaviour - coercion

• being talked into doing something sexual. It is consistent and ongoing and can make a person feel uncomfortable

Unethical sexual behaviour - pressure

• feeling as though your not able to say no, or, not being given the genuine opportunity to say no

Unethical sexual behaviour - Force

• physical force is used to make you do something sexual against your wishes

Illegal sexual behaviour - sexual assault

• when someone behaves towards you in a sexual way that makes you feel uncomfortable, frightened or intimidated

Illegal sexual behaviour - sexual harassment

• other unwelcome behaviour such as jokes, pressuring for sex, pornographic images on display, invading space continually

Illegal sexual behaviour- rape

-sexual penetration without consent

Illegal sexual behaviour - the law around consent

Consent is saying yes while bing free to say no

• no-one can legally do anything sexual with a person who is under the age of 12

• The legal age of consent in Victoria is 16

• There can be no more than a 24 month age difference between consensual partners aged between 12 & 15

• Between 16&17 a person cannot have a sexual partner who is in a position care, supervision, or authority over them (even with agreement )

• It is illegal to have sexual activity with any family members (including step brothers, step sisters and step parents)

• If someone has sex with a person or touches them sexually when they are asleep, unconscious or so affected by alcohol or drugs that they are not able to agree, it is sexual assault

Places to seek help

• centre against sexual assault (CASA)

• Kids helpline

• Victims support agency