Sexual consent
Sexual violence can be hard to discuss and reading this page may cause distress. Help is available.
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, www.1800respect.org.au
Sexual consent is a free, voluntary and informed agreement between people to participate in a sexual act. This agreement is only present when these people mutually and genuinely feel they want to engage in that sexual act and actively make sure their partner does too.
This means there is only consent to a sexual activity if everyone involved:
- agrees with each other to take part
- really wants to take part – they don’t feel they have to
- checks in with each other to make sure everyone wants to take part
- shows or says they want to take part in a clear and open way.
Sexual consent relates to sexual activities, such as:
- sexual intercourse
- touching someone in a sexual way
- sharing sexual images
- online sexual activities.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in a relationship or not. There must be consent to engage in sexual activity that is free from violence, pressure and control.
Sexual consent is not:
- a problem to solve
- a transaction or a contract – an exchange where someone ‘gives’ or ‘receives’ consent.
The Commonwealth Consent Policy Framework
The Australian Government has developed a framework to support any organisation working to prevent sexual violence, to promote healthy sexual relationships and sexual consent to young people.
The Commonwealth Consent Policy Framework: Promoting healthy sexual relationships and consent among young people is designed for governments, education providers, communities, workplaces, sports clubs, media, health and disability providers, caring facilities, religious organisations, public services and the justice system.
The framework proposes:
- a shared community definition of sexual consent
- 5 core concepts that underpin the definition
- 10 key principles on how to promote consent and healthy sexual relationships
- a consent and healthy sexual relationships program checklist to guide and self-assess your activity, program or product.
The framework is particularly useful for any initiative or program aimed at young people that promote healthy sexual relationships, sexual consent or aims to reduce sexual violence, including:
- respectful relationships and sexuality education
- community prevention programs
- communication and social marketing campaigns
- peer education programs
- workplace training
- parenting interventions and programs
- bystander programs
- media literacy initiatives
- social activism.
Sexual consent and the law
It’s important to understand the laws that apply in Australia about sexual consent and sexual assault. These laws are different depending on where you are in Australia. You can look these laws up for your state or territory.
This Framework does not provide a legal definition of consent. The Framework is concerned with engendering a cultural shift in community attitudes in practical terms, with the broader aim of promoting respectful sexual behaviour and relationships, and preventing harm.
Read 5 core concepts of consent
Read the 10 principles at a glance
Read the Consent and healthy sexual relationships program checklist
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