Release of the Commonwealth Consent Policy Framework

Today, the Australian Government has launched the Commonwealth Consent Policy Framework (the Framework).

Not only is consent the baseline for sexual activity free of violence and coercion – it is fundamental to safe, healthy and pleasurable sexual activity and relationships.

The Framework was developed to help support governments, as well as any organisation or service provider working to prevent sexual violence, and to promote healthy sexual relationships and sexual consent to young people.

The Framework aims to:

• Provide a clear and consistent definition of what consent means across activities, programs and products.
• Provide practical advice on how to communicate with young people about healthy sexual relationships and consent.
• Identify ways to address the underlying gendered drivers of sexual violence to promote positive change.

The Framework proposes a shared community definition of consent including 5 core concepts that underpin the definition and provides guidance on how to promote consent and healthy sexual activity through 10 key principles.

The Framework was developed based on evidence and advice from experts on consent education and sexual violence prevention.

To read the Framework, visit Sexual consent.

1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via the 1800RESPECT website(Opens in a new tab/window) or text 0458 737 732. These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are concerned about your behaviour, phone the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit No to Violence(Opens in a new tab/window) for judgement-free support.