AHISA
SUBMISSION
Senate Legal
and Constitutional Affairs References Committee
2 March 2023
Inquiry into current and
proposed sexual consent laws in Australia
AHISA’s submission addresses questions on sexual
consent culture and consent education in schools, as raised in the Committee’s
inquiry discussion paper.
Referring to Australian and British evidence, AHISA
notes the role of pornography in influencing the nature of peer-to-peer sexual
assaults and the role of alcohol and drugs in creating the opportunity for
these crimes – in spite of comprehensive education programs delivered by
schools.
Adolescent sexual assault has a wide network of
cultural roots and is linked to a range of social issues which have been
accelerated by social media influences. School-based education programs – while
important and essential – are therefore not a ‘silver bullet’ to protect
children, and AHISA argues that a multi-faceted, whole-of-community response is
required if Australia is to protect its young people.
Inquiry into current and proposed sexual consent laws in Australia – FULL
SUBMISSION