Key Messages

RESPECT... is where it's at!

"Only Yes Means Yes"

You may have heard of the common saying "No Means No". Well, we wanted to flip it around and talk about saying YES.

We know that young people, and indeed adults, are sexual beings, and we do not judge them for it. We want to give them the tools to know what they want, and ways to express that.

We also want to make it clear that there are a variety of circumstances which may mean "No, don't go further!", not just the word NO.

People often assume there is consent, or permission to initiate sexual activity when in fact the other person is not into it.  

But just because…

• they dressed a certain way
  
• they went on a date with you
• they were silent
• they like you
• they are a man
  

doesn’t mean yes. Only yes means yes.

So, don't assume. Ask. 

"Everyone has the right to a sexuality without violence"

Youth have always identified respect as key to their self-worth, happiness and successful relationships. Project Respect emphasises that giving and getting respect means recognizing that everyone has a right to be respected regardless of how they look, what they wear and how they decide to express their sexuality. Everyone also has a responsibility to respect those rights in others.

Labels like "slut" and "fag" can really hurt someone and lead to extreme physical consequences. They are a part of sexualized violence and we need to work together to create a world free of labels.

"Communicate and get consent"

It is the responsibility of the person initiating sexual activity to get consent or permission before going further.

Know how to ask for what you want and learn how to listen to your partner.

We are all about consent!

"You have the power to make change"

Join the Respect Revolution Campaign or learn how to intervene safely in situations you see around you in your school or at a party. We help youth discover their leadship potential in making their schools and peer groups free of gender-based violence.