the South East is helping thousands of youths outside the mainstream education system
understand affirmative consent, as highlighted by an evaluation report released today.
The initiative has seen over 100 ‘coalface’ youth and community workers spanning three
suburban and regional municipalities undertake comprehensive training about landmark
affirmative consent laws introduced in 2023.
The project is funded as part of the Victorian Government’s Supporting Young People to
Understand Affirmative Consent program.
The online and interactive workshop training conducted between August 2023 and
March 2024 focused on key changes introduced by Victoria’s Affirmative Consent
legislation, including: the need to actively gain sexual act consent; a shift in legal focus
from victims to accused perpetrators; and criminalising stealthing (removal of a condom
during sex without the other person’s consent).
Sexual Health Victoria’s Manager of Schools, Community and Disability, Anne Atcheson
explained that youth and community workers play a crucial role in reaching and informing
young people outside the school system about sex and consent laws.
“A main objective of the training was to increase participants’ confidence as well as
competence in educating young people about the complexities of sex and relationships,”
she said.
“Many professionals have expressed the challenges they face in confidently discussing
sex with young people, and this program offered valuable support and practical
guidance.
“Confidence is generally harder to boost than understanding because it requires people
to not only to grasp the concepts but also feel assured in their ability to apply this
knowledge in real-world situations.”
Women’s Health in the South East Chief Executive Officer Kit McMahon explained
"Building young people's knowledge, confidence and skills to navigate respectful
relationships is a critical component of our efforts to prevent gender-based violence and
improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes. The right to healthy sexual
relationships is inextricably linked to gender equality."
Pilot program participants reported notable confidence increases, including:
• 18% confidence rise in educating young people about sex and relationships
• 30% confidence boost in addressing ethical and legal aspects of sexual consent
“These results demonstrate the program's positive and immediate impact in empowering
educators with practical skills and self-assurance,” Ms Acheson said.
Minster for Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward said the Consent Matters project,
delivered by Sexual Health Victoria in partnership with Women’s Health in the South
East, highlighted the Victorian Government’s commitment to fostering safe, respectful
relationships.
“The Allan Labor Government’s investment in affirmative consent education is continuing
to support the empowerment of young people to engage in safe and consensual
relationships,” she said.
“Frontline youth workers often have trusted relationships with young people. It’s
encouraging to see this Victorian pilot program is building their confidence in leading
conversations about affirmative consent.”
- ENDS -
About us:
About Sexual Health Victoria and Women’s Health in the South East
Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) is an independent, all-choice health promotion charity
dedicated to education, advocacy and care. SHV are experts in designing and
delivering Relationships and Sexuality Education. For more information, go to
shvic.org.au.
Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) is the leading primary prevention agency
for the health and well-being of women in the Southern Metropolitan Region of
Melbourne. WHISE are experts in bringing together communities and using networks to
advocate for women’s health. For more information, go to whise.org.au.
Contact details:
For further media information or to arrange interviews:
Karen Strahan
Soda Communications
Ph: 0417 361 465
E: karen@sodacommunications.com.au
Emily Stojcevski
Soda Communications
Ph: 0409 552 913
E: emily@sodacommunications.com.au
