Why Consent Conversations Matter

Consent is an important topic that impacts all aspects of our relationships—whether with partners, family members, or even in everyday social interactions. However, in many culturally diverse communities, discussions about sexual consent remain limited due to cultural taboos, generational gaps, and differing perceptions of what constitutes clear and enthusiastic agreement.

The Australian Government’s Consent Can’t Wait Campaign aims to break down these barriers by providing accessible resources in multiple languages to help adults navigate conversations around consent with each other and with younger generations.

This article will highlight key aspects of consent, explore some of the hidden misconceptions about it, and provide practical ways for CALD adults to start informed discussions using the campaign’s resources.

What is Consent and Why Does It Matter?

Consent is the clear, ongoing, and mutual agreement between individuals regarding any kind of intimate or physical interaction. It is not a one-time approval and can be withdrawn at any point.

Many people believe that consent is as simple as saying ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ but in reality, it can be influenced by power dynamics, social conditioning, and unspoken expectations. The campaign highlights key messages that challenge these misconceptions:

• There is no ‘point of no return’. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, even after an activity has started.
• Uninvited physical attention implies a lack of consent. If someone does not actively give permission, it is not consent.
• Consent should be ongoing and mutual. It must be checked and reaffirmed, not assumed.

How Cultural Norms Influence Understanding of Consent

For many adults in Indian, Punjabi, and South Asian communities, discussions around sex, relationships, and consent have traditionally been seen as private matters. As a result, individuals may struggle to openly express their boundaries or seek clarity about what constitutes consent.

In some cultures, ideas such as “family honour” or “obedience to elders” may overshadow personal autonomy, making it harder for individuals—especially women—to assert their right to say no in situations where they feel pressured.

The Consent Can’t Wait Campaign encourages CALD communities to challenge outdated beliefs by fostering respectful, judgment-free conversations about what consent looks like in healthy relationships.

Using the Conversation Guide to Talk About Consent

To help adults start conversations about consent, the campaign provides a Conversation Guide, available in multiple languages, including Punjabi and Hindi. This guide is designed to help people suspend their assumptions, reflect on their own beliefs, and get on the same page with others regarding what consent truly means.

Case Study: How One Family Used the Conversation Guide

Priya and her husband Ravi have been married for 15 years. Growing up in a conservative household, they never openly discussed consent. When their teenage daughter asked them about boundaries in relationships, they realized they struggled to explain the concept clearly.

Using the Conversation Guide, Priya and Ravi had their first real discussion about what consent means to them. The guide helped them challenge some of their assumptions and allowed them to have an open, constructive conversation with their daughter—something they previously felt uncomfortable doing.

Misconceptions About Consent That Need to Change

The campaign highlights several common misunderstandings about consent that persist within CALD communities.

“If they didn’t say no, then it must mean yes.”

• Many people assume that silence or hesitation means agreement. However, consent is always active and enthusiastic—not reluctant or coerced.

“Consent is a one-time thing.”

• Some individuals believe that once someone has agreed to something, they cannot change their mind. However, consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time. Agreeing to one sexual activity, like kissing or touching, doesn’t mean agreeing to other sexual activities.

“In a marriage or long-term relationship, consent is automatic.”

• Consent should always be explicitly given, even in committed relationships. Being married or in a relationship does not mean automatic consent to physical intimacy.

How Translated Resources Help Communities Engage with Consent

For many CALD individuals, language barriers can make it difficult to access accurate information about consent. The Consent Can’t Wait Campaign addresses this issue by providing translated resources in various languages, allowing communities to engage with these materials in a way that aligns with their cultural backgrounds. Community members can use the conversation guide available in Hindi and Punjabi to have informed conversations about consent.

Case Study: A Community Advocate Leading Change

Aman, a Sikh community leader, attended a workshop on consent after reading the campaign’s translated materials in Punjabi. Recognising how important these conversations were, he began integrating discussions about mutual respect and boundaries in his youth mentorship sessions at his local Gurudwara. By using the campaign’s resources, he empowered young men in his community to better understand and practice consent in their relationships.

How to Start Talking About Consent in Everyday Life

To break the silence around consent, it’s important to integrate these discussions into everyday life. Here are some practical ways adults can start conversations about consent:

Within Families

• Use storytelling and cultural examples to explain consent to younger family members.
• Discuss movie scenes that depict unhealthy relationships and ask, “What do you think about this?”

Among Friends and Peers

• Bring up consent discussions in casual settings to challenge misconceptions.
• Share translated resources within community groups and WhatsApp chats.

In Educational & Religious Spaces

• Encourage schools and community centres to integrate consent education.
• Partner with local religious organisations to host workshops using the campaign’s materials.

Final Thoughts: Empowering Ourselves and Others

Understanding consent is not just about protecting oneself—it’s about fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding. By challenging outdated norms, using the resources provided by the Consent Can’t Wait Campaign, and openly discussing these issues, we can help create a safer society and reduce instances of sexual violence.

Take Action Today!

Explore the campaign’s resources in English, Hindi, and Punjabi at Consent.gov.au. Let’s start these conversations now—for ourselves, for our families, and for the next generation.

Disclaimer: This article is written in partnership with the Australian Government’s Consent Can’t Wait Campaign