A timely conversation about consent is being had at area high schools and North Bay and educators are taking the topic into classrooms and online with a new video campaign.
The Domestic Violence Community Coordinating Committee of Nipissing has a series of new and locally-produced videos tackling the subject of consent.
It's part of a campaign to educate and inform people, especially youth, on the issue.
"It's very encouraging to see how much more of a regular conversation this is among young people in our community.” said Jen Gordon, of the DVCCCN.
The videos touch on a variety of consent issues, from intimacy, communication, pressure and the idea of ongoing consent, something that has been thrust into the public forum more than ever before.
Jessica Bradford is a Chippewa Secondary School teacher.
"The way we discuss consent and sexuality in the education system has definitely changed over the last 15 years. It's really nice to see the conversations becoming more open and honest." said Bradford.
For students at Chippewa Secondary School, consent takes many forms.
Maiya Nevrencan is a grade 12 student and says consent is important in casual situations, not just intimate ones.
"Just asking for permission in every sense, depending on relationships, intimate sense, or every day, just being able to give someone a hug or being in their personal space. Just asking to make sure everything's okay." said Nevrencan.
Grade 10 student, Gifford Smith explains that consent is asking permission before you do something.
"Pretty much, consent is just like asking for something. Like, if you want to take a picture, like when you asked if you could videotape me, you asked. So something like that." said Smith.
Coral Joy is a grade 11 student says people should not be afraid to ask for consent.
"Just don't be afraid to ask. Don't feel awkward, or silly, or uncomfortable asking. And don't feel uncomfortable saying no to anything." said Joy.
With almost daily reports of prominent figures being called out on sexual misconduct allegations, both students and educators say the issue of consent has never been more important, and they say thankfully, it's never been easier to talk about.
