The Consent Matters pilot project led by Sexual Health Victoria and Women’s Health in the South East is helping thousands of youths outside the mainstream education system understand affirmative consent, as highlighted by a recently released evaluation report.
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 per cent confidence rise in educating young people about sex and relationships
- 30 per cent confidence boost in addressing ethical and legal aspects of sexual consent
- 24 per cent increase in modelling and practicing affirmative 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.”
