A blog by Cianna Bicket, Young Expert at Girls Human Rights Hub

Introduction

Consent education has an essential role in preventing sexual violence as it fosters mutual respect of consent and encourages the empowerment of individuals to implement personal boundaries. In turn, this allows for the introduction of safer environments and the reduction of sexual violence within society.[1]

Understanding consent

Consent at a base level is about receiving and giving permission, however, in a sexual context, it refers to a voluntary and enthusiastic agreement through expressed communication to participate in intimate activities.[2] The requirement of being “voluntary’ implies a willingness to engage in relations in the form of an “enthusiastic yes”, which can be revoked at any point if either person feels uncomfortable.[3]

While the laws and definitions of consent and consent education policies differ between countries, consent remains a universal human right.[4] This means that regardless of the set regulations on consent within a nation, a human being has the right to their own body which includes protection from non-consensual sexual activity and the autonomy to make choices about their intimate relationships.[5]

What is consent education?

Consent education is the process of teaching people about mutual agreement, communication, and respect in intimate situations. It is a significant tool in the reduction of sexual violence as it equips individuals with the knowledge to uphold their boundaries and respect others, fostering a culture of mutual understanding and communication.[6] Whether initiated through open conversations with caregivers or structured programs in institutions, the significance of consent education is prevalent across different aspects of life, contributing to a safer and more respectful society.[7]

Challenging misconceptions

There are a plethora of challenges and misconceptions about consent. Some examples of these include unclear boundaries in casual or familiar settings, societal expectations, and the misconception that consent is only to be given once. Comprehensive consent education provides individuals with the means to challenge these misconceptions and in turn, promote a better understanding of boundaries and relationships.[8]

Empowering young girls

Consent education is also an effective tool for empowering young girls to advocate for themselves and others. After establishing an in-depth understanding of consent, further education can help develop confidence in young girls to speak up about their boundaries and support others to do the same.[9] While this education includes the emphasis on young girls being safe, it should also focus on young boys making girls feel safe.[10]

Consent as a collective responsibility

While consent is critical for young girls to understand, it remains everyone’s responsibility. Adults, including parents, caregivers, teachers, and community leaders, are responsible for fostering an environment in which consent is not merely understood but also valued and respected.[11] This can be achieved through engagement in open conversations about consent and acting as respectable role models. Ultimately, creating a culture of consent requires a collective effort to ensure the well-being and empowerment of all individuals, regardless of age or gender.

Institutions and implementing consent education

Institutions such as schools, colleges and workplaces are responsible for raising awareness and educating relevant parties on consent.[12] Schools have a critical impact on the formative years of children and thus are responsible for implementing programs that will foster a deep understanding of consent early on.[13] In addition to schools, colleges play a key role in shaping young adults' attitudes through the integration of consent education.[14] Workplaces, too, must prioritise respect by implementing comprehensive consent education programs. Together, these institutions can contribute to preventing sexual violence and work toward a society that values mutual respect and consent.[15]

Conclusion

In conclusion, consent education has a crucial role in preventing sexual violence by promoting respect and empowering individuals to set boundaries. By addressing misconceptions and empowering young girls, this education becomes a collective responsibility. Furthermore, schools, colleges, and workplaces all have pivotal roles in raising awareness and implementing comprehensive programs. Together, they contribute to a society that values mutual respect and consent, creating safer environments for everyone.

References:

·      Al-Zanoon, Sama. “Consent Education is Violence Prevention — Dawson Women's Shelter.” Dawson Women's Shelter, 22 May 2023, https://www.dawsonwomensshelter.com/blog/consent-ed-is-prevention-e9hhp

·      Angela M. Borges , Victoria L. Banyard & Mary M. Moynihan (2008) Clarifying Consent: Primary Prevention of Sexual Assault on a College Campus, Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 36:1-2, 75-88, DOI: 10.1080/10852350802022324 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10852350802022324

·      Basile, KC. “Examining Consent Education as a Preventative Measure for Sexual Violence, Harassment, and Bullying in Adolescents.” OpenRiver, 3 May 2022, https://openriver.winona.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1177&context=counseloreducationcapstones

·      “Consent Education Guidance.” Department of Education, 2022, https://fusecontent.education.vic.gov.au/ae359f66-8638-435f-9aa9-8bf849bd6c09/Consent%20Education%20Guidance.pdf

·      The Council of Europe. “Comprehensive sexuality education protects children and helps build a safer, inclusive society - Commissioner for Human Rights.” 21 July 2020, https://www.coe.int/ca/web/commissioner/-/comprehensive-sexuality-education-protects-children-and-helps-build-a-safer-inclusive-society

·      Eichberger, Anthony. “Consent Education Should Be Gender-Inclusive | by Anthony Eichberger | Age of Awareness.” Medium, 21 April 2022, https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/consent-education-should-be-gender-inclusive-9e58c610ab19

·      Hamilton, Veronica, "Sexual Consent Education" (2017). HON499 projects. 29. https://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/honors_projects/29

·      Kerry H. Robinson, Elizabeth Smith & Cristyn Davies (2017) Responsibilities, tensions and ways forward: parents’ perspectives on children’s sexuality education, Sex Education https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14681811.2017.1301904

·      “The Importance of Access to Comprehensive Sex Education.” AAP, 14 July 2023, https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/adolescent-sexual-health/equitable-access-to-sexual-and-reproductive-health-care-for-all-youth/the-importance-of-access-to-comprehensive-sex-education/

·      Melanie Beres (2020) Perspectives of rape-prevention educators on the role of consent in sexual violence prevention, Sex Education, 20:2, 227-238, DOI: 10.1080/14681811.2019.1621744 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14681811.2019.1621744

·      “Sexuality and Consent Education: Policy | education.vic.gov.au.” SchoolsVic | education.vic.gov.au, 16 April 2021, https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/sexuality-education/policy

·      “What Consent Looks Like.” RAINN, 2023, https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent

[1] The Council of Europe. “Comprehensive sexuality education protects children and helps build a safer, inclusive society - Commissioner for Human Rights.” 21 July 2020, https://www.coe.int/ca/web/commissioner/-/comprehensive-sexuality-education-protects-children-and-helps-build-a-safer-inclusive-society

[2] “What Consent Looks Like.” RAINN, 2023, https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent

[3] Ibid.

[4] Hamilton, Veronica, "Sexual Consent Education" (2017). HON499 projects. 29. https://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/honors_projects/29

[5] Ibid.

[6] “Consent Education Guidance.” Department of Education, 2022, https://fusecontent.education.vic.gov.au/ae359f66-8638-435f-9aa9-8bf849bd6c09/Consent%20Education%20Guidance.pdf

[7] Kerry H. Robinson, Elizabeth Smith & Cristyn Davies (2017) Responsibilities, tensions and ways forward: parents’ perspectives on children’s sexuality education, Sex Education https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14681811.2017.1301904

[8] “The Importance of Access to Comprehensive Sex Education.” AAP, 14 July 2023, https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/adolescent-sexual-health/equitable-access-to-sexual-and-reproductive-health-care-for-all-youth/the-importance-of-access-to-comprehensive-sex-education/

[9] Eichberger, Anthony. “Consent Education Should Be Gender-Inclusive | by Anthony Eichberger | Age of Awareness.” Medium, 21 April 2022, https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/consent-education-should-be-gender-inclusive-9e58c610ab19

[10] Ibid

[11] “Sexuality and Consent Education: Policy | education.vic.gov.au.” SchoolsVic | education.vic.gov.au, 16 April 2021, https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/sexuality-education/policy

[12] Basile, KC. “Examining Consent Education as a Preventative Measure for Sexual Violence, Harassment, and Bullying in Adolescents.” OpenRiver, 3 May 2022, https://openriver.winona.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1177&context=counseloreducationcapstones

[13]  Melanie Beres (2020) Perspectives of rape-prevention educators on the role of consent in sexual violence prevention, Sex Education, 20:2, 227-238, DOI: 10.1080/14681811.2019.1621744

[14] Angela M. Borges , Victoria L. Banyard & Mary M. Moynihan (2008) Clarifying Consent: Primary Prevention of Sexual Assault on a College Campus, Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 36:1-2, 75-88, DOI: 10.1080/10852350802022324

[15] Al-Zanoon, Sama. “Consent Education is Violence Prevention — Dawson Women's Shelter.” Dawson Women's Shelter, 22 May 2023, https://www.dawsonwomensshelter.com/blog/consent-ed-is-prevention-e9hhp