Canberra users of the dating platform Tinder will be reminded of the ACT’s positive consent laws for sexual activity, in a new campaign run by ACT Policing and Tinder’s owners, Match Group, and the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC).   

Last year, new sexual consent laws – the Crimes (Consent) Amendment Act 2022 (ACT) – required sexual activity to be “actively and affirmatively communicated”. This recognised that consent was not presumed; that people have a right to choose not to participate in sexual activity; and that consensual sexual activity involves ongoing and mutual communication and decision-making. The communicative model of consent is underpinned by principles of agency, autonomy and responsibility and is based on a culture of healthy, respectful relationships. 

“It’s fantastic to see this really important law reform being used for educational purposes,” the bill’s mover, Dr Marisa Paterson, said. “And what a great partnership – getting the message out to those looking for a date this Christmas! The more education in the community on sexual consent, the better – and innovative collaborations like this are great!”

The landscape had changed, and the new laws needed to be highlighted across the community, Detective Inspector Stephanie Leonard, ACT Policing’s Officer in Charge of the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team, said.

“There is no doubt ​online ​dating​ platforms​ such as Tinder are where people are meeting future partners,” Det. Insp. Leonard said. “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. 

“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.”

Consent ads will roll out on Tinder this month. 

Kirsty Dunn, Tinder Australia’s spokesperson, said: “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.”

Chrystina Stanford, Chief Executive Officer of the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, said CRCC was pleased 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.” 

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.