Award-winning journalist Jess Hill delves into the sexual revolution reshaping Australia in her latest SBS series, Asking For It. The groundbreaking series explores the transition from the “sexual liberation” of the ’60s and ’70s to the era of “enthusiastic consent.”
Following her acclaimed work on See What You Made Me Do, Hill returns to SBS to reignite a national conversation about the epidemic of sexual violence affecting millions of Australians.
In episode two, Hill investigates the ongoing rise in sexual violence, a crime that less than ten percent of victims report, and examines the inadequacies of the justice system in handling the few cases that reach trial.
She explores alternative justice systems beyond Australia and scrutinises institutional responses to rape.
Asking For It delves into the urgent need to change our rape culture into a consent culture. Throughout the three-part series, Hill meets advocates pushing for change in Australia, exploring why they demand quality consent education embedded in the national curriculum, starting from kindergarten.
Prominent victim survivors, including Saxon Mullins, Grace Tame, Noelle Martin, and Adele (delsi) Moleta, share their experiences navigating the legal system, advocating for law reform, and coping with trauma.
Hill interviews experts, community groups, and consent educators from Australia and around the world. The series highlights the commendable work of sex and consent educator Richie Hardcore in educating male youth, and Reset Australia’s efforts to tackle emerging digital threats. Jess also explores the welcoming atmosphere of a consent-friendly LGBTQIA+ dance party and uncovers the pioneering work in South Africa that’s creating bespoke care centres and courts to provide comprehensive care and justice for victim survivors.
Asking For It promises to be a thought-provoking and timely series examining Australia’s ongoing battle to create a consent culture and address the sexual violence epidemic.
