Consent
In any relationship, you should not feel pressure to do anything you do not want to do. This includes any kind of sexual activity you do not want to do.
Consent is an agreement between people to engage in a sexual activity. Consent is important to keep everyone safe and happy.
- Consent means freely choosing to say ‘yes’ to a sexual activity
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time
- Consent is needed for any kind of sexual activity
- Consent should be clearly communicated
- There are laws around who can consent and who can't
- Without consent, any sexual activity becomes sexual assault, and is against the law.
The age of consent for sexual interactions in Victoria is 16.
- If you are aged 12-15, a person who you have sex with may be charged with a crime unless you are within 24 months (2 years) of age.
- If you are aged 16-17, you can have sex with somebody who is older than you as long as they're not in a position of authority – like a carer, teacher, employer, or anybody else with authority over you.
More information
Sexual Health Victoria: Sex its your decision
Sexual Health Victoria: Sex and the law for young people
Sexual Health Victoria: Sexual Assault and Abuse
My Body, My Consent: Multilingual fact sheets about sexual violence.
Gender euphoria and sex: A resource exploring gender, sex and consent for trans and gender diverse people
If you are experiencing family violence or sexual violence/assault, support is available from:
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