Government Introduces Fresh Initiative to Educate Australians about Consent
The federal government has initiated a $40 million campaign to address sexual violence by educating adults on consent.
The Albanese government is introducing a new campaign to enhance Australian comprehension and attitudes towards consent and respectful relationships.
“Learning about consent is not just about reducing harm; it is about equipping the next generation with the skills to cultivate safe, healthy relationships throughout their lives,” Ms. Rishworth stated.
She noted that although research indicates that 86 percent of Australians agree that adults should discuss consent with youth, many avoid the topic as it can be uncomfortable and awkward.
“This national campaign encourages individuals to educate themselves on consent, engage in discussions with other adults, and ultimately establish a shared community understanding for the benefit of future generations.”
What will the Campaign Involve?
The government has allocated $40 million (US$27 million) to fund the campaign.
The campaign will run for 12 months across television, online video, cinema, and social media until May 2025.
Its primary objective is to prompt adults to assess their understanding of consent and have conversations about consent with each other to enhance their ability to discuss consent with the younger generation.
The campaign aims to foster positive attitudes and behaviors regarding respectful relationships among young people by targeting influential adults.
Eliminating Contradictions
A report from the Department of Social Services revealed that while 77 percent of Australians considered consent personally significant, 48 percent faced conflicts in defining consent, lacking confidence and perceiving high risks.
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot highlighted the importance of delivering clear messages to youth for effecting cultural change.
“With various conflicting messages and myths around consent, it is crucial to provide consistent and clear messaging,” Ms. Elliot affirmed.
She added, “One in five women and one in sixteen men in Australia have experienced sexual violence since age 15, with women being more likely to encounter this from an intimate partner.”
“This campaign will enhance community understanding of consent and unite us in preventing such violence.”
Research Behind Campaign
The campaign is the culmination of extensive developmental research involving over 2,600 Australians and consultations with consent and sexual violence experts.
Panel members include Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent and campaign ambassador, and Lizette Twisleton, Head of Engagement at No To Violence.
“This initiative being showcased across Australia is truly exhilarating. It marks a significant step in normalizing public conversations on consent,” Ms. Contos remarked.
Intimate Partner Violence in Australia
On average, one woman was killed every 11 days, and one man every 91 days by an intimate partner in 2022-2023, as reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
