What consent means is set to be thrust onto the agenda of a number of Northern Tasmanian schools through a program run by a Launceston sexual assault support service.
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Laurel House, which operates in the North as well as the North-West, is providing a Consent - Sex & Respect program through a series of workshops aimed at furthering education about consent and behaviours around sex and respect.
The discussion about consent has topped on the national agenda since allegations of rape and sexual assault rocked the federal government earlier this year, though the difficulties faced by women in escaping from sexual assault have long been documented.
Laurel House acting chief executive said the timing of the consent program was important in maintaining the discussion and responding to issues that continued to be presented.
"We are promoting our services due to recently highlighted issues and ongoing challenges in our community," she said.
"There is increased awareness of the critical need to support and educate all ages. Prevention and early intervention is paramount to transforming culture within schools and the wider community."
Ms Pratt said the program would be rolled out to year 8 and 9 students with tailored programs on offer for other high school year levels.
"[It] engages young people to develop a better understanding of healthy and unhealthy behaviour around sex and respect," she said.
"[It] is designed to assist young people to think reflectively about their own use of sexual language, identify any potential problematic sexualised behaviours, identify the difference between healthy and unhealthy intimate relationships, as well as learn how respond respectfully.
"Keeping young people safe is paramount."
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Alongside the school-based education, Laurel House have introduced Consent, Respect & the Law workshops in conjunction with Women's Legal Service Tasmania.
Ms Pratt said the workshops are aimed at adults within the school community and run for two to three hours and coincide with the student programs.
Anyone interested in implementing or undertaking the programs can contact Laurel House at training@laurelhouse.org.au.
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