A new framework surrounding consent has been unveiled by the federal government in a bid to provide more consistent messaging about the issue for young Australians.
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The framework has been developed alongside educators and experts in the space in order to have a unified definition and concept of what constitutes as consent.
It will be provided to all federal government policies and programs specifically targeting young people, but will also be made available to other organisations in Australia.
Five key concepts will underpin the framework, including that consent is voluntary and free, specific and informed, affirmative and communicated, ongoing and mutual, as well as reflecting the capacity of individuals individuals involved.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the framework was a crucial tool to help reduce rates of gender-based violence.
"Ultimately, our goal is to end violence against women and children in one generation. To do this, we need to support young people to have safe and respectful relationships," she said.
"Young people are at the heart of this cultural change, and we have an opportunity to ensure the messaging and support they receive to help them navigate their relationships is consistent, evidence based and well informed."
It's estimated one in five women and one in 16 men have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
For women, it's most likely to take place at the hands of their current of former partner.
It's expected the framework would be used by education providers, workplaces, sporting clubs or anyone working with young people.
It will also be used for major government initiatives such as a national consent campaigns and respectful relationship programs.
More than 40 experts and organisations were invited by the government to consult on the framework.
Among them was Teach Us Consent founder Chanel Contos, who said the framework would clearly define key concepts.
"The framework makes an important contribution to ensuring messaging around the fundamentals of consent are clear and cohesive," she said.
"It will help community leaders and organisations provide consistent messaging to youth as we take a whole of community approach to eradicating sexual violence."
National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence chair Nicole Lambert said messaging was crucial to reach younger generations effectively.
"Young people can sometimes end up wit contradictory messaging about consent, which leads to further myths and misunderstandings about sexual violence," she said.
Australian Associated Press
