A major brand of condoms has made a major change to its packaging in the wake of shocking findings pertaining to sexual consent in Australia.
LifeStyles condoms have changed their packaging in an attempt to boost consent education Down Under after research compiled by the Australian Government found one in two people are confused by sexual consent.
New boxes of the brand's condom line will now feature a message to encourage healthy communication between sexual partners.
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It will also aim to encourage responsible and respectful sexual behaviour between intimate partners.
The new message on the prophylactic now reads: "Yes is our biggest turn on. Always ask for consent."
Vice President of LifeStyles Healthcare in APAC Nicole Adey told news.com.au the decision to 'drive consent awareness' came in the wake of the startling research released by the Australian Government in 2022.
“We want to remind and encourage users to have open communication with their partners to create a positive and safe environment for all parties,” she said.
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“As a leader in sexual wellness for over 100 years, we believe that everyone deserves quality sexual education.
“We know that when people feel safe and confident in intimate situations, both in their physical and mental state-of-being, this leads to a more positive and enjoyable experience for all.”]
As per the study conducted by the Australian Government, around 47 per cent of Australians believe 'sexual consent has become a minefield for men, making it impossible to know what to do'.
"This is contributed to by some division in understanding of some key elements of sexual consent regarding: whether consent can be withdrawn; whether it is easy to say ‘no’; whether the absence of a ‘yes’ implies a lack of consent; whether uninvited physical attention is in the realm of consent; and, whether asking for consent spoils the mood," the study reads.
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Well, how about we spell it out for you: You know what spoils the mood? A lack of consent.
Because if you don't have consent and carry on with sex, well, then it's rape.
As per Speak About It, a consent education and sexual assault prevention non-profit, it's all about affirmative consent.
They define affirmative consent as a conscious, voluntary, mutual, and enthusiastic agreement to engage in sexual activity.
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"Each person must be fully aware, equally free of coercion, communicating clearly and unambiguously, and sincere in their desires," Speak About It says on their website.
"Consent must be ongoing, and can be revoked at any time. Intoxication or incapacitation negates consent."
So ask. Repeatedly. If someone shuts down or freezes up during sex, don't keep going.
Sorry if that is a 'mood killer' for anyone out there, but it shouldn't have to be spelt out on condoms.
Featured Image Credit: EyeEm / Alamy. Mint Images Limited / Alamy.Topics: Sex and Relationships, News, Australia