Women's Health In the North | What is affirmative consent?

What is affirmative consent?

Affirmative consent is a way of thinking about and understanding consent that moves away from “no means no” and towards an understanding that everyone is responsible for seeking sexual consent. Consent only be given if clear words or actions are used to show that everyone understands and agrees to what is happening. It means sexual partners need to check in with each other. Consent can never be assumed. Consent means ongoing and mutual communication and decision-making.

In Victoria there are new affirmative consent laws that came into effect on 30 July 2023. You can learn more about Victorian Affirmative Consent Laws here.

Looking for inspiration? Check out the ConSensual Zine which was made by young people for young people. It’s full of practical information plus some artistic and insightful pieces from creative contributors exploring what consent means to them.

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Women’s Health In the North acknowledges Victorian Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide our services – the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin nation – and pay our respect to their Elders past and present. WHIN acknowledges that Aboriginal sovereignty was never given up and that we stand on stolen land. We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and to supporting Treaty and truth-telling processes.

We recognise the ongoing leadership role of the Aboriginal community on gender equality and the health, safety and wellbeing of women and gender-diverse people. As First Peoples, Aboriginal Victorians are best placed to determine a culturally appropriate path to these in their communities.

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