Consent Matters for people with disabilities: A pilot by Sexual Health Victoria and Women's Health in the South East (WHISE)

Sexual Health Victoria and Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) are pleased to present this pilot capacity-building session for practitioners working in the disability support sector, to increase knowledge, skills and confidence in delivering affirmative consent education to young people with cognitive disabilities.

This session is part of a pilot initiative, funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, to increase practitioners' understanding of the new affirmative consent legislation and the primary prevention of sexual violence, with a focus on young people with cognitive disabilities. 

In this session, you will gain a greater understanding of:

• Ethical and legal aspects of sexual consent
• New affirmative consent legislation
• Teaching strategies about affirmative consent
• Healthy and respectful relationships
• Sex positive approaches to education and support
• Trauma informed approaches to responding to disclosures
• Sexual health and well-being services for young people with cognitive disabilities

Additionally, all participants will have the opportunity to workshop effective, evidence-informed approaches to relationships and sexuality education, including creating safe spaces for education and discussions about sex and relationships, and modelling and practicing seeking and giving affirmative consent, as pertains to young people with cognitive disabilities. 

Refreshments will be provided. We aim to cater to common dietary requirements, however, if you have specific needs, please bring lunch and snacks that are safe for you to consume. 

Online modules:

As part of registering to attend this session, you will also gain access to a comprehensive suite of online modules, that will furnish your understanding of the new affirmative consent legislation, including how to discuss this with young people with cognitive disabilities. Following your registration, you will be sent information about accessing Sexual Health Victoria's online learning management system.

For more information:

For more information about this session, the Consent Matters pilot program, or Sexual Health Victoria, please contact Program Coordinator, Em Mah: emah@SHVIC.ORG.AU

For more information about Women's Health in the South East and the sexual and reproductive health portfolio, please contact the Sexual and Reproductive Health Lead, Laura Riccardi: lriccardi@whise.org.au

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If you would like to support the work WHISE does to advance gender equality in the Southern Metropolitan Region, please donate to WHISE. Together, we can create a future where everyone can thrive.