Empowering young people to recognise sexual violence
The Office for Women is taking to social media to educate young people on the importance of consent and respect in response to a concerning rise in sexual violence across the country.
For 10 weeks, images and videos will be shared on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn to boost awareness around the various forms of sexual violence, such as the taking and sharing of intimate images without consent, pressuring people into sex and disrespecting boundaries.
We aim to empower young people with the tools to recognise, prevent and respond to sexual violence, whether it happens online or in person.
Research shows young people confused about healthy relationships
Our Watch, a leading organisation in the prevention of violence against women in Australia, recently surveyed 1,000 young Australians aged 14 to 20 years. Most claimed to understand healthy relationships, but the results tell a different story:
- 27% of respondents confused controlling behaviours as signs of healthy boundaries.
- 29% thought forcing physical touch out of love was a healthy boundary.
- 54% believed that if a boy wants to have sex with a girl, it is up to the girl to make it very clear she doesn’t want to.
The Our Watch website has the complete survey results.
Help us raise awareness of the different forms of sexual violence
You can help spread the message that sexual violence is never ok, whether it happens online or in person.
Share our social posts with your networks via Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
If someone needs help now
If you know someone who is struggling with domestic, family or sexual violence, you can contact 1800RESPECT for confidential information, counselling and support.