The Daniel Andrews-led Labor government in Victoria is promising its new law reforms will “change the way sexual violence is dealt with” in the state with no room for “inexcusable behaviour”.
Victoria has passed the Justice Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences and Other Matters) Bill 2022, that includes an affirmative consent model and bans “stealthing”.
Stealthing is the act of not using, removing or tampering of a condom, without the other person’s consent. The new law comes into effect making stealthing a crime now in Victoria. The affirmative consent provisions will come into effect in July 2023.
“By making it crystal clear that stealthing is a crime, we’re not only condemning it but making it easier for victims to realise what’s happened to them – and that it isn’t something to be ashamed of,” Victoria’s Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said in a statement.
“Victorians have made it clear there’s no room for victim-blaming and outdated attitudes around sexual violence – these new affirmative consent laws will ensure our justice system keeps up with those expectations,” said Symes.
