Most young people in Australia feel positive about sex but this isn't always the case. Sexual assault is "any unwanted sexual behaviour that makes a person feel fearful, uncomfortable or threatened. It includes any sexual activity that a person has not freely agreed to. All forms of sexual assault are criminal and the responsibility lies solely with the offender." Most victims of sexual assault are children and young people, who often know who assaulted them.
For information about where to go for help for yourself or a friend you might find these websites useful:
One quarter of Australian high school students who have had sex report that they were drunk or intoxicated the last time they did it. This meant the sex was unprotected, or that they didn't really want to have sex but were too 'out of it' to know.
Some young people have sex in exchange for money or some other reward and for many this can lead to abuse and exploitation. It is illegal in most states and territories in Australia for someone in a position of authority over a young person to have sex with them if they are under 18 years. Teachers and sports coaches are examples of this.
When sex has not been OK, it can be much more difficult to think about sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia, let alone go to a doctor to ask for a test. That's why it can be useful to involve a 'support team' that might include a trusted adult, counsellor, sexual assault professional and a doctor.
Related Fact Sheet
- When sex is not OK (PDF, 122k)
