When entering a new relationship some questions may come up around your sexual health. You can always speak to a trusted family member, friend or even your GP, but there are also other supports available.

Sex and sexual health

Having sex isn't just about your body. Sex can also affect you emotionally. 

Sex can also bring up lots of questions about stuff like what feels good and what's safe. Being sexually active also exposes you to real risks like pregnancy or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like herpes, chlamydia and HIV.

If you're thinking about becoming sexually active, or even if you already are, you can get more information about having sex (and how to have it safely) from these places:

  • Better Health Channel has some great information about sexual health, healthy relationships and safe health services.
  • Sexual Health Victoria has heaps of information about contraception, STIs, pregnancy and the laws around abortion.
  • Reach Out cover topics like having sex for the first time and how to work out if you're ready.

Sexual assault and abuse

Sexual assault or abuse can affect people - guys and girls - in lots of ways. If you or someone you know needs help or someone to talk to, you can phone Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 to find out what you can do.

Our understanding sexual assault page provides more information on how to stay safe.

Sexuality

Some people are strongly aware of and confident about their feelings and attractions towards other people. Other people are not so sure how they feel.

Many people identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. People in these circumstances may experience problems like being rejected by peers or friends, or not having their sexuality accepted by their parents. They may feel isolated or depressed. 

If you're in this situation, it's important to understand your rights so you can find more information, support and ways to meet others who feel like you. You'll find starting points at Reach Out's page about sexuality.

For more about same-sex attraction, including links to support organisations, check out our same-sex attraction page.

Relationships

Relationships are an important part of who we are and how we think about ourselves, whether you're talking about friendships or romantic relationships.

Sometimes our relationships change because of decisions we make. Sometimes they change because of things outside our control. Some changes keep a relationship interesting and fun, but other changes can bring stress or conflict.

Our relationships can be a source of happiness, but they can also cause anxiety and stress. Some relationships can even become unsafe.

There are heaps of resources out there to help you deal with problems or issues in your own relationships. They can even put you in touch with people you can talk to - people your own age, or professional support workers - about your concerns.

  • The Line is made up of hundreds of videos, quizzes, articles and interviews with and for young people to learn about sex, emotions, dating and relationships.
  • Reach Out lets young people tell their own stories. They also have downloadable fact sheets that break things down and offer good advice.
  • Safe and Equal has information about domestic and family violence support available across Victoria.

Consent

To give sexual consent is to agree to a sexual act. It must be a free and voluntary agreement, and no one involved should feel forced, coerced, or threatened.

In Victoria, an affirmative sexual consent model is the law.

Affirmative consent places the responsibility on each individual person participating in a sexual act to take steps to say or do something to check that the other person(s) involved are consenting to a sexual activity, rather than rely on the other person to give their consent.

This means that sexual consent can never be assumed and involves ongoing and mutual communication and decision-making between each person involved.

Every person has the right to change their mind and withdraw consent at any time before or during sexual activity.

For more information about sexual consent and Victoria's affirmative consent laws visit:

Puberty

Puberty can feel like an alarm clock going off in your body, switching on your sexuality and a heap of physical, mental and emotional changes that often cause confusion and even anxiety. The important thing to remember is that everyone goes through pretty much the same thing sooner or later.

It's good to try to understand puberty and the changes going on in your body. If you can, try talking to someone you trust about the changes you're experiencing - a family member, a friend, a counsellor at school or even your doctor.

More information about puberty can be found at:

Pregnancy and parenthood

An unplanned pregnancy can be a shock or a surprise. Only you can figure out if you're ready to be a parent, but there's lots of information out there to help you make your decision.

Becoming a parent is a massive life change, especially if you're young. Raisingchildren.net.au has advice about parenting as a teenager and what help is available. It also has lots of general advice about pregnancy and tips for raising kids from newborns to teenagers.

Links

Reach Out
Upfront articles on relationships, including personal stories and fact sheets about sex, coming out, managing relationships and more.

Better Health Channel - sexual health
Information about a broad range of sex, sexuality and sexual health topics.

Safe and Equal
Information about domestic and family violence support available across Victoria.

Sexual Health Victoria
Straightforward information about issues such as choosing a doctor, relationships, sex and laws about pregnancy.

Pregnancy Help Australia
Information and advice about pregnancy - call the 24-hour helpline on 1300 RESPECT.

Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA)
Providing services to people who have experienced sexual assault, as well as their families, partners and friends.