Assault crisis in schools: Fundamental change to sex education lessons proposed in new NSW draft bill

After thousands spoke out about a sickening problem in our schools, students may soon be handed more powers to change things.

Students will have a much bigger say on what their sex education lessons will look like under a landmark agreement aiming to tackling the sexual assault crisis exposed in recent weeks.

Only a month after Sydneysider Chanel Contos helped bring forward thousands of sexual assault survivors to share their experiences – the NSW Department of Education and heads of the independent and Catholic schools ­associations have put forward a potentially game-changing draft bill.

It has not been signed off yet, but it states that a “student voice” and “experience” is “critical in strengthening healthy and ­respectful relationships”.

“We commit to identifying and taking concrete actions that will strengthen children and young people’s ability to form healthy relationships and prevent harmful situations, both at school and outside the school gates,” the draft, which has been seen by The Australian, says.

“All children and young people have a right to feel safe and ­respected at school and in the community. We will listen to their views about harmful sexual behaviours and how best to prevent them, and find ways to increase the voice of our students.”

The move – billed a “first step” to ­addressing concerns of female students – was spawned out of one of the recommendations from a high-level crisis meeting between school leaders and NSW Police in early March.

RELATED: Chilling story exposes sinister teen trend

A viral petition from Chanel Contos has exposed thousands of testimonies of sexual assault. Picture: Hollie Adams for News360

RELATED: ‘Very weird’: Sick theory behind teen assaults

Ms Contos – who has collected almost 5000 testimonies of sexual assault from students and former students across the nation – says many of the people who have come forward are “sad and angry” about not being given a proper education about consent.

In response, the NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell has called for a national conversation about teaching consent in schools.

“Consent needs to be taught early and explicitly,” she said. “We can all learn from each other and we need to continue the conversation on consent.

“Schools will play their part, but it’s vital we continue working together to ensure a shift occurs in every workplace, institution, and household both across the state and throughout the nation. This is everyone’s responsibility.”

And, it’s not just education that is changing.

This week, NSW Police has joined forces with Ms Contos to make it easier for survivors to come forward.

The force is launching Operation Vest in response to the movement which has brought out thousands of sickening testimonies from students and former students over the past month.

It encourages sexual assault victims to report their experiences using a digital form that does not launch a criminal investigation but keeps complaints on record if alleged perpetrators are reported for sexual offences in the future.

It will be run by the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad which will work closely with commands and districts across the state.

Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney spoke of the ‘courage’ of those coming forward. Picture: Gaye Gerard/NCA NewsWire

NSW Police said the operation recognises the roadblocks that stop many sexual assault victims from reporting their attacks, which can include embarrassment, concerns about repercussions, confidentiality and being believed.

Commander of the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney commended the bravery of the young women prepared to share their stories.

“We must acknowledge the courage it takes victims of sexual violence to come forward and tell their stories,” Det Supt Maloney said.

“Re-telling your story means reliving your trauma, and NSW Police are committed to a framework that supports a victim’s pursuit for justice but also ensures they have access to services that provide the appropriate support.

“We want you to know that if you share your story with us, we will listen to you and if you decide to pursue legal action, immediately or anytime thereafter, we will stand by your side through that process.”