The need for consistency in the new affirmative consent laws is crucial to address community standards effectively, especially in the context of technology-facilitated abuse, respectful relationships, and the rise of sexual violence.
White Ribbon Australia’s “You Can Ask Me That Panels” have played a significant role in engaging young men in navigating affirmative consent practices.
Through these panels and our webinar series featuring renowned thought leaders like Chanel Contos and Dr. Jackson Katz, we have seen that young men are grappling with various questions about consent.
Some of the common questions young men are asking are:
– What is the difference between consent, enthusiastic consent, and affirmative consent? Are these terms interchangeable?
– If a girl gives consent on WhatsApp, does that consent apply throughout the entire relationship?
– How can I feel less awkward about discussing the topic of consent with my partner?
– What should I do if she says no, and I feel embarrassed?
– How can I handle peer pressure around consent?
Young men are seeking guidance and support to navigate the complex topic of consent, but unfortunately, the normalization of this conversation is not yet common practice.
They are looking to adults for reassurance and direction on how to approach consent discussions, but they often encounter barriers like discomfort, shame, guilt, or the fear of saving face when reaching out for guidance.
In response to changing community standards, White Ribbon Australia advocates for a new approach to affirmative consent, providing a safe space for young men to have these necessary conversations.
We aim to create an environment where young men can openly discuss their ideas, concepts, feelings, and thoughts without judgment.
By embracing empathy and actively listening to their perspectives, we can best support them as they navigate societal norms, confusion, and typical adolescent awkwardness.
For further insights into our approach and the importance of this conversation, read our 2023 insight here and watch our webinars here.
