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