ACT Policing is launching a new campaign with the support of the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) and the world’s most popular app for meeting new people, Tinder (Match Group) to promote positive consent when engaging in intimate acts.
Beginning in December, ACT based users of the dating platform Tinder will begin to receive in-platform advertising reminding users of the ACT’s positive consent laws.
In 2022 the Crimes (Consent) Amendment Act 2022 (ACT), was amended to shift the principle that consent is not presumed, and there must be an ongoing and mutual conversation between participants. The Act also outlines that people have a right to choose to not participate in sexual activities. The communicative model of consent is one which is underpinned by principles of agency, autonomy and responsibility and is based on a culture of healthy, respectful relationships.
ACT Policing’s Officer in Charge of the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team, Detective Inspector Stephanie Leonard said that the landscape had changed and that the new laws needed to be highlighted across the community.
“There is no doubt online dating platforms such as Tinder are where people are meeting future partners. That’s why we were pleased Tinder was happy to partner with us and CRCC to remind Canberrans using the platform of the affirmative consent rules in the ACT,” said Detective Inspector Leonard
“We hope that continuous discussions around consent will see people’s attitudes change – and that giving and receiving consent will become a normal part of everyone’s relationship.”
"Many of today’s dating interactions start online and it’s essential that these are safe and consensual, above all. Respect has always been at Tinder’s core and consent is much more than permission and rules. We hope that this campaign, along with our own ongoing education, helps further educate daters in the ACT on how to foster healthy relationships. By empowering users to establish their own and respect others boundaries, they are able to create better communication with their connections,” said Tinder Australia spokesperson Kirsty Dunn.
Chief Executive Officer of the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, Chrystina Stanford said CRCC is pleased to be able to work with ACT Policing on such an important campaign.
“We know that more people are accessing dating sites than ever before, and we want to try and make sure that we are helping keep people safe,” said Ms Stanford.
“People impacted by sexual violence can contact CRCC on 6247 2525 and speak to one of our crisis staff."
The consent ads on Tinder will roll out in December 2023.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can report to police by attending a police station or calling 131444. Further information on sexual offences can be found via the ACTP website.
You can also submit an online report for historical sexual assault for incidents that occurred more than six months ago. Tinder also encourages users to confidentially report bad behaviour or anything that goes against its Community Guidelines. Users can report someone directly from a profile or reach out through the in-app Safety Centre at any time.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) can be contacted via their Crisis Phone Line on 02 6247 2525 or Crisis Text Line Only on (M) 0488 586 518.
Note to media: The ads and video footage from today's launch are available via Hightail.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au
