A petition by a Sydney school girl has put the spotlight on an epidemic of sexual violence against Australian teenagers by their peers.
It’s prompted moves by government to improve consent education in our schools. But is it enough?
With Australian of the Year Grace Tame inspiring a movement of passionate women and the Brittany Higgins scandal engulfing our Federal parliament, thousands have taken to the streets demanding justice for women.
On Thursday night Q+A brings together students, parents, experts and educators for a frank look at the vexed issue of consent, how men can help change the power imbalance and what needs to be done to combat the cultures of violence and silence that threaten the daily lives of Australian girls and women.
Joining Hamish on the panel:
Yumi Stynes
Broadcaster and author, Welcome to Consent
Yumi Stynes is a broadcaster and writer who’s been working in Australian media for almost two decades. Her forthcoming book, out this year, is about consent.
Briony Scott
Principal, Wenona School
Dr Briony Scott is an Australian educator and columnist, and the Principal of Wenona in North Sydney, an independent K-12 girls school.
Michael Salter
Associate Professor of Criminology, UNSW
Scientia Associate Professor Michael Salter is a criminologist at the University of New South Wales, where he studies gendered violence and complex trauma.
Yasmin Poole
2021 Youth Influencer of the Year
Yasmin is an award winning speaker, writer and youth advocate. She is Plan International’s National Ambassador and champions the importance of young women being heard in Australia’s political conversations.
Joe Williams
Former NRL player and mental health advocate
Joe Williams is a Wiradjuri/Wolgalu, First Nations man born in Cowra, NSW, who has advocated for mental health awareness through his The Enemy Within foundation.