New affirmative consent laws took into effect in New South Wales on June 1 2022 after passing parliament last November. But consent is about more than just knowing where the line is before you break the law. Consent is a conversation and it starts long before intimacy begins.
But what exactly is affirmative consent?
How does it work?
What do these new laws mean?
And what support services are available for UNSW Students and Staff?
Well, we're here to help with all those answers!
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New affirmative consent laws took effect in NSW on 1 June 2022 after passing parliament last November.
What do these laws mean and how do they work?
Below is a brief overview of the changes and what they mean for people across the state.
What are the new laws?
The new laws require parties to give and obtain consent at the time of the act
What is affirmative consent?
Consent is defined as a free and voluntary agreement at the time of the act. While these words imply that consent must happen at the time intimate or sexual behaviours start, consent is an ongoing conversation, one where all parties engage have the right to change their mind at any given moment.
So what does that look like?
Asking directly is the best way to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable.
What about people who are already in a sexual, romantic or intimate relationship?For people who are already having consensual sex or intimate moments, these guidelines still apply. If you're concerned that these new laws might ruin your sex life or the way you're engaging in relationships, it may be time to speak to someone about the way you're engaging in sex and intimacy.
Whether you're in a committed monogamous relationship, you're engaging in polyamory and open relationships or you have a regular sexual partner with no strings attached, you should never assume that the consent given years, months, weeks or even hours prior to your sexual or intimate activity has not changed. Checking in with your partner or partners is how you can create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone involved.
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