A new public awareness campaign has launched which aims to educate sexually active young people around new consent laws.
Called “Make no doubt” the ads are for the NSW Government and have been launched ahead of a major change to sexual consent laws set to come into effect in NSW from June the 1st.
The new laws mean that consent must be actively communicated by words or actions, and simply not assumed even if the person is affected by alcohol or drugs.
The ads will target 16-24 year-olds and the series of spots will run across social media and popular dating apps such as Tinder.
Speaking on the launch of the ads, NSW attorney-general Mark Speakman said the campaign would target under 25s as this age group was overrepresented among perpetrators and victims of sexual assault.
“These reforms make it clear that if you want to engage in sexual activity with someone, then they need to do or say something to show consent or you need to do or say something to seek consent,” Speakman said.
“These reforms are not just about holding perpetrators to account, but changing social behaviour.”
The campaign was developed in consultation with assault survivor advocate Saxon Mullins, who welcomed the focus on “real people” and “real scenarios”.
“I think these videos show that it’s not awkward or uncomfortable (to check for consent),” Mullins said.
“It’s really important to show what those conversations look like when they work,” she said.
