Consent is an ongoing, freely given (not pressured, forced, manipulated or coerced) agreement between two or more people who are engaging in sexual activity together.

Practicing consent looks like:

Everyone involved is eager to engage in sexual contact and anyone can change their mind, stop at any moment or choose not to engage any further.

Everyone must agree upon choices regarding safe sex e.g., using condoms and other contraception

Consent must be specific to the sexual act you’re doing at the one time.

Remember sexual consent is mutual, freely given, informed, clear, reversible, specific and ongoing.

Learn more about practicing consent on the Play Safe NSW website

Sexual consent can only legally be given if you are 16 years and over in NSW.

Just because you can legally say yes, doesn’t mean you have to.

Sex without consent is illegal and is considered a sexual assault offense.

Consent cannot be given under the influence of drugs and or alcohol, as you may not be able to make clear decisions.

You cannot force someone to give you consent.

Read more about sexual consent laws around Australia on the Youth Law Australia website

The best way to get or give consent is by communicating. The FRIES acronym is useful.

Freely given – not forced, pressured, manipulated or coerced.

Reversible – can be changed at anytime.

Informed – you know what you are saying yes to.

Enthusiastic – a way to communicate, either physically or verbally, your needs and desires.

Specific – to the sexual act. i.e. yes to vaginal but no to oral.

Check out the Make No Doubt campaign

Ask for it to be deleted.

Report it through the esafety website.

Stay calm and talk to someone.

If under 18, this could be considered child pornography.

It is illegal to share content without permission.

Go to the Reachout website to find out more about what to do if someone shares nudes.

For information about practicing sexual consent and key referral links visit the headspace website

To understand the consent laws in NSW visit the Department of Communities and Justice website

For support if there has been unwanted sexual experiences or sexual violence visit the 1800Respect website

For support in reporting unwanted sexual experiences or sexual violence visit the With You We Can website