Over the next few weeks, our Standing Together team will be raising awareness about consent and healthy boundaries. This is a time to reflect on our understanding of consent, and what healthy boundaries look like, whether you are in a romantic relationship, a friendship or navigating new connections. This week is about fostering a safe, respectful, supportive and consensual environment for all.
What is consent?
Consent means giving clear, voluntary, and enthusiastic permission—every time. In relationships, it’s about communication, respect, and making sure everyone involved feels safe and comfortable.
Consent is:
- Freely given – not pressured, manipulated, or coerced.
- Reversible – anyone can change their mind at any time.
- Informed – everyone understands what they’re agreeing to.
- Enthusiastic – it should be a clear “yes,” not a hesitant “I guess.”
- Specific – saying yes to one thing doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.
What consent is not:
- Assumed based on past interactions – just because someone said yes before doesn’t mean they’re saying yes now.
- Given under pressure – if someone feels threatened, obligated, or too afraid to say no, that is not consent.
- The absence of “no” – silence or lack of resistance doesn’t equal permission.
- Automatic in a relationship – being in a relationship doesn’t remove the need to ask and check in.
- Permanent – people have the right to change their minds at any point, for any reason.
Consent applies to more than just intimate situations, it is about how we interact in shared spaces, how we communicate and how we show respect in all relationships. Take this time to reflect on how you practice consent, how you can promote it in your personal relationships and how we can individually work towards a safe and respectful environment.
What do we mean by Healthy Boundaries?
Boundaries are the limits each individual sets to protect their comfort, time, energy and emotional wellbeing. Boundaries can vary from person to person. They help define how we want to be treated, and how we treat others.
Healthy boundaries can look like:
- Saying “no” without guilt.
- Asking for space when overwhelmed.
- Speaking up when something makes you uncomfortable.
- Being clear about your availability and expectations.
- Respecting others' right to do the same.
Healthy boundaries can create safety and clarity in relationships. When people know what to expect from each other, there's less confusion, fewer assumptions, and more room for mutual respect and growth.
#KeepitKind,KeepitRespectful,KeepitConsensual
Event Schedule:
Law Fair
📅 Monday 22nd September 2025
📍 Council Rooms 1 & 2 - Fielding Johnson Building
⏰ 9:30am to 11:30am & 1:30pm to 4pm
Student's Union - TBC
📅 Thursday 25th September 2025
📍 TBC
⏰ 10am to 4pm
Social Media Handles
Standing Together will be active across the week on social media
Links and resources:
For support information internal - Report and Support - Support information - Website
For support information external - Report and Support - Support external - Website
For further information on support for sexual assault, harassment, and reporting options, please click the following link – Sexual Misconduct and Harassment.