Understanding Sexual Consent

Sexual consent is a fundamental aspect of sexual health and wellbeing. According to the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services, consent is defined as:

“A free, voluntary, and informed agreement between people to participate in a sexual act. Consent exists only when all parties genuinely want to engage and actively ensure their partner does too.”

Consent applies to a range of sexual activities, including:

• Sexual intercourse
• Sexual touching
• Sharing sexual images
• Online sexual activity

It is important to understand that consent is required regardless of the type of relationship, whether it is a long-term partnership, casual encounter, engagement with a sex worker, or friends-with-benefits arrangement. Consent must always be freely given, without pressure, coercion, or expectation of exchange. 

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Core Principles of Sexual Consent

1. Consent is Free and Voluntary

• Consent must be given freely and without any form of coercion. It is not valid if someone experiences:
  
  • Violence or intimidation
  • Pressure or threats
  • Humiliation
  • Manipulation or control
• Consent should never be conditional; it must be a genuine and voluntary choice.

2. Consent is Clear and Informed

• All parties must understand and agree to the sexual activity.
• Consent to one activity (e.g., kissing) does not imply consent to other activities.
• Partners should discuss boundaries, contraception, and protective measures beforehand.

3. Consent is Affirmative and Communicated

• Consent requires active communication, either verbally, through clear non-verbal cues, or in writing (including online contexts).
• Silence, hesitation, or physical arousal does not equal consent.
• There are no “degrees” of consent, it is either present or absent.

4. Consent is Ongoing and Mutual

• Consent is a continuous process. Anyone can withdraw consent at any point.
• All parties must want to participate; if even one person does not consent, the activity must stop.

5. Consent Requires Capacity

• All participants must be able to give consent. Individuals cannot consent if they are:
  
  • Below the age of consent (varies between 16 and 17 in Australia)
  • Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate 

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Withdrawing Consent

Anyone can withdraw consent at any time, no explanation is required. Reasons may include feeling:

• Unsafe or uncomfortable
• Disinterested or changed in mind
• Physically or emotionally unwell

Consent can be withdrawn verbally or through facial expressions, gestures, body language, sign language, sounds, or assistive communication devices.

Steps to withdraw consent:

1. Remember that NO means NO
2. Communicate that you want to stop
3. You do not need to provide a reason
4. Move away if the other person continues
5. Contact support services if you feel unsafe

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Sexual Consent Online

Consent in online sexual activity (e.g., sexting, nude images, or video calls) is equally important. According to the eSafety Commissioner, consent online must be:

• Freely given, without pressure, manipulation, or coercion
• Provided by someone capable of consent (not underage, intoxicated, or coerced)
• Clearly communicated; uncertainty or hesitation does not constitute consent

Withdrawing consent online:

• Indicate clearly that you want to stop
• Disconnect if the other person continues
• Contact support services if feeling unsafe

Consent is an ongoing, voluntary agreement that can be withdrawn at any time. Remember: “No” is a complete sentence! It does not require explanation or advance notice. Respecting this principle is essential to ensuring safety, autonomy, and mutual respect in all sexual interactions.

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Support Services

If you or someone you know needs assistance or advice regarding sexual consent or safety, free services are available:

• 13YARN – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support: 13 92 76
• 1800RESPECT – National Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling: 1800 737 732
• Kids Helpline – For ages 5–25: 1800 55 1800
• Lifeline – National crisis support: 13 11 14
• QLife – LGBTIQASB+ peer support (3 pm–midnight): 1800 184 527
• Beyond Blue – Mental health support: 1300 22 4636 

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