Wellington City Council continues to collaborate with the police and key stakeholders to support the Don’t Guess the Yes campaign – with the goal of changing attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol consumption and sexual consent.
Launched in December 2017 by the New Zealand Police, Don’t Guess the Yes recognises that we all have a role to play in putting a stop to sexual violence. Partners include Wellington City Council, Hospitality New Zealand, RespectEd Aotearoa, Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA), Massey Wellington Students’ Association (MAWSA), Massey University, and Victoria University of Wellington.
The initiative is led by the New Zealand Police, and each partner brings different strengths and audiences to the table. For example Hospitality NZ take a lead in the festive season with the training of bar staff and the university associations run social media campaigns in O-week. Wellington City Council provides some of the resources to help make it all happen.
Don’t Guess the Yes is designed to share messages and get the community talking about how informed consent is required for any sexual activity, how excessive alcohol consumption affects decision making; how to keep others safe; and call out attitudes and behaviour that support sexual violence.
Messages such as:
- Sexual consent requires good communication, and it can be taken away at any time if any party feels uncomfortable.
- Someone who is severely intoxicated or drug affected cannot give informed consent to sexual activity.
- That it is unacceptable to blame or shame the victim of such behaviour.
Participants in our training sessions, our posters and social media campaigns empower us all to think about things we can do and say when we see something happening that is not okay – whether we are out with friends, working behind a bar, or on social media.
If you or someone you know is in danger call the police on 111, or to report an incident that has occurred call 105.
If you have experienced sexual violence, help and support are available.
National 24/7 helplines include Rape Crisis 0800 883300, HELPline 0800 6231700 and Safe to Talk 0800 044 334.
Local support for victims is available from Wellington Rape Crisis and Wellington HELP.
If you are concerned that your own sexually harmful behaviour or someone you know, contact Wellstop on 04 566 4745.