National consent framework empowers students to drive cultural change
What does the new framework mean?
The Commonwealth Consent Policy Framework: Promoting Healthy Sexual Relationships and Consent Among Young People (669 KB) establishes a clear, consistent and evidence-based definition of consent. This aims to inform policies, initiatives, and programs that support young Australians as they navigate healthy, safe and respectful relationships.
The framework offers a shared community definition of sexual consent, with five core concepts underpinning the messaging. It is designed to provide practical advice and set a standard for organisations to use when establishing programs or initiatives that provide information about consent to their communities.
By facilitating a whole-of-community approach and prioritising a shared understanding of consent, the framework is a powerful tool for the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.
Complete the Consent Matters 2024 module
Make sure you understand sexual consent by completing the Consent Matters module on Canvas, and know that our Safer Communities team is here to support you. Visit our consent webpage to learn more.
What is consent and how do I seek or receive it?
The Commonwealth Consent Policy Framework (page 9) defines consent as:
A free, voluntary and informed agreement between people to participate in a sexual act. This agreement is only present when these people mutually and genuinely want to engage in that sexual act, and actively ensure their partner does too.
This means everyone involved has the understanding and capacity to know what being involved means, and that all participants express enthusiastic consent and seek it from others involved.
The framework also sets out five core concepts to help you understand how consent can be given and received. These are:
- Free and voluntary
- Specific and informed
- Affirmative and communicated
- Ongoing and mutual
- Reflects capacity.
What is digital consent?
Digital consent is about seeking and receiving consent online for online interactions, data usage and digital communications. If you're interacting with someone online by sexting, sending nudes, having phone sex, photographing, filming or sharing intimate images, you need consent every time.
Just like you would offline, use the five core concepts of consent outlined in the national consent framework to understand whether consent is given and received online. Consent to receive, give or share sexual content digitally must be free and voluntary, specific and informed, affirmative and communicated, ongoing and mutual, and reflect capacity.
The eSafety Commissioner, Australia's independent regulator for online safety, outlines the importance of consent when taking and sharing any images, not just intimate images. Even if someone has consented to an image being posted, they can change their mind and retract their consent at any time. If someone asks you to remove a photo or video of themselves, you must do so immediately, no questions asked.
If you witness or are the target of any online incidents where consent was not given, reach out to the Safer Communities Office to receive resources, support and make a report if you feel comfortable doing so.
The University of Sydney digital consent campaign
The University has launched a digital consent campaign to educate our community about the importance of seeking and receiving consent for sexual activities online, and to foster a community of active bystanders. You need consent every time you engage in sexual activity online and in-person, whether it's sexting, sending nudes or filming sexual activity.
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Sharing content without consent is never ok
Sharing unwanted content online can have devastating consequences for you and the person involved. If you don't feel good about sharing a photo or video of someone because it could have long-term consequences for them, don't do it. Remember, once you post something online, it can very quickly get out of hand, and you lose control of the content.
Sharing or threatening to share intimate images of someone without consent, or refusing to take down a photo after requested, is image-based abuse and is illegal.
If you see or receive inappropriate content of someone else that may be embarrassing or distressing for them, break the chain of disrespect and don't forward it to other people. Call out the person who sent it to you, and tell them the sharing of this content with others is not okay.
If you know the person being targeted, you can also check in with them to see if they are okay, offer your support, and/or direct them to professional support.
If you see someone secretly being filmed or recorded, don't stand by, stand up. Intervene if you feel comfortable and it is safe to do so, and report the inappropriate behaviour to the appropriate channels.
Find out how you can make a complaint, disclosure or report of sexual misconduct to the University and what's involved.
If you have any questions about support or how to make a disclosure or complaint, reach out to the Safer Communities Office. The Safer Communities Office are specialist staff experienced in providing an immediate response to people that have experienced sexual misconduct, domestic or family violence, bullying or harassment, and issues relating to modern slavery.
The Safer Communities Office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and can be contacted on +61 (02) 8627 6808 or via email at safer-communities.officer@sydney.edu.au.
If you're feeling unsafe on campus, call Protective Services on +61 (02) 9351 3333. In an emergency, call 000.
If you want to find out more, please see the University's Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Additional resources and support
- The it's all about consent webpage is the University's central hub for information on healthy sexual relationships and how we can all work together to create a culture of respect, safety and support.
- Find out how to access sexual health services and explore additional resources on sexual relationships on the sexual health and consent webpage on the student website.
- Student life, wellbeing and support has a range of health, academic and personal support available to you 24/7.