TW: This article discusses content about rape and sexual assault. For those who need help, please scroll to the bottom for a list of help services. If you are in danger please dial 000.
What is consent?
According to the Australian Law Reform Commission, every Australian Jurisdiction has its own statutory definition, with the exception of ACT. However, overall, the term consent can be defined as: ‘free and voluntary agreement’.
In this context, consent is the foundation of a mindful and respectful relationship. When an individual gives their consent to engage in sexual activity, then it means that they know what they’re doing and happily oblige to it. However, there’s a catch. A person cannot give consent if:
They’re underage of consent
They are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol to the point where they are not aware of giving consent
Unconscious or asleep
Threatened or unwilling to do so
What is Rape?
Essentially it is unwanted and unconsented sexual penetration either vaginal, anal or oral. It can happen to anyone, under any circumstance. In 2016, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) performed a personal safety survey, in which the results displayed that around 2 million Australian adults had experienced sexual assault from as young as the age of 15. Furthermore, it showed that around 639,000 Australian women had undergone sexual assault, perpetrated by a male, in the last 10 years. Moving to more recent years, between 2018-2019, police found that the overall majority of sexual assault offenders were male (97% to be in fact).
It’s important to note that not only women are victims of sexual assault. Rape and sexual violence can happen to anyone under any circumstance. Men can be victims too. Just like any victim, they go through similar experiences such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders and so much more. The aftermath of a male surviving sexual assault often results in
Feeling ‘less of a man’
Question their sexual orientation
Self-blaming and shame of not being able to stop the assault, especially if they experienced ejaculation or an erection
What is ‘Rape Culture’?
This term refers to an environment in which rape and sexual violence are common undertakings and are normalised. Not only that but are excused and endorsed throughout the media, pop culture and other institutional systems. Rape Culture is inflicted through the usage of misogynistic slurs, the objectification of both women and men’s bodies, as well as embellishing sexual violence.
Some examples of Rape Culture can be things such as:
Rape jokes
Tolerance of sexual harassment
‘They asked for it’
Controlling the way one dresses
Objectification
Slut-shaming
Victim blaming and pressuring the victim to prevent rape
‘Boys will be boys’ and must be dominant and masculine
‘Girls must be polite’ and apologise for their wrong behaviour
‘Behaviours that include victim-blaming, slut-shaming, sexual objectification, trivialising rape, denial of widespread rape, refusing to acknowledge the harm caused by sexual violence, or some combination of these’, stated by The Rape Culture (Women: A feminist perspective).
A few months ago, a rape claim was made against the attorney general, Christian Porter. The victim first reached out to a sexual assault counsellor in 2013 and continued on to go 6 more times. According to the woman, the assault happened back in 1988 when she and Porter were mere teenagers (ages 16 and 17) and were debating partners together. The victim prefers to remain anonymous for the sake of her family. Last year in 2020, she decided to proceed with a complaint. However, with the combination of a nationwide lockdown and a delayed police interview, everything became too much for her to handle. Unfortunately, the woman took her own life at the age of 49 in June. Thus, the investigation was closed.
The news resurfaced when an anonymous report detailing the woman’s complaint was sent to four members of parliament - including the prime minister, before going public. Porter zealously denied the allegations stating:
‘The things that I have read did not happen, and to suggest that they could be forgotten is ridiculous’
‘I was 17 years old and the other person was 16. We were both selected, with two others, on the Australian Schools Debating Team and we went to Sydney University for an international competition. It was a long time ago and I'd always remembered it as a happy time’
‘But I can say categorically that what has been put in various forms and allegations simply did not happen.’
For more information regarding this, visit: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-03/christian-porter-denies-historical-rape-allegation/13206972
In March of this year, it was announced that consent education would be made mandatory in all public schools across Victoria. These programs were implemented into the system due to the large discussion circulating about sexual assault, women’s safety and men taking up accountability for misogynistic actions and harassment.
Prior to this new program, schools had already introduced some sort of ‘Respectful Relationships’ topic in the curriculum. However, as a student myself, I’ve noticed that we were only allocated a small amount of time to learn and fully absorb this topic. The things that we were taught could be classified as ‘self-explanatory’ and were things that we all already knew. For example, the class would be given questions to debate such as, ‘should you hit your partner’. Like of course not.
I feel as though when being taught this specific curriculum, we should’ve delved deeper into the topic. All we were given were shallow questions to answer, a week to learn about contraceptives and how to put a condom onto a banana. That was it. Though this is not a pretty subject and may make others uncomfortable, it is necessary and in some cases, will save lives. Kids are already engaging in sexual activity and like many others, believe that consent, rape, sexual assault, harassment and sex education something that should be addressed and discussed before the ages of 16 - or even earlier...
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If you are seeking assistance or need someone to talk to over the phone, please do not hesitate to dial these numbers. If you are living in Australia and are in danger, ring triple zero (000)
Sexual Assault Counselling Australia: Available 24/7
1800 211 028
Domestic Violence Impact line: Available 24/7
1800 943 539
LGBTIQ+ Violence Service: Available 24/7
1800 497 212