All Sex Ed Programs Must Teach Consent, According to Sexual Assault Expert

Mike Domitrz, The Date Safe Project founder, says “asking first” will reduce risky sexual activity.

Milwaukee, WI (PRWEB) October 20, 2005 -- Regardless of whether or not a public school Sex Ed program teaches abstinence or covers a wide variety of aspects, the one lesson most are missing is the concept of consent, according to Mike Domitrz, founder of The Date Safe Project and an expert on sexual assault.

“The one component missing from the majority of Sex Ed programs is the importance of teaching students to talk with one other - consent,” said Domitrz. “If students were taught the importance of respecting their partner’s wishes and boundaries, you would see a decrease in risky sexual activities occurring.”

Domitrz’s comments are in response to a recent U.S. News and World Report article (Just Don’t Do It! Katy Kelly, October 17) on the different types of sexual education programs that exist in American public schools.

According to the article, 35 % of public school districts across the country offer an abstinence-only course, with 51% providing “abstinence-only plus,” which also provides information on birth control and other safety measures. Other districts offer a very comprehensive curriculum that includes discussions of abortion and homosexuality.

What should and should not be covered in a public school Sex Ed program is a controversial topic, since public funding is involved. However, Domitrz contends that lessons on consent and “asking first,” should be supported by parents and teachers on both sides of the argument.

“When asked first, a partner who may be uncomfortable with a certain sexual activity will actually be given a choice and have the option to say, ‘No,’” he explained. “This is a point both those believing in comprehensive sexual education and those who want abstinence-only programs should be able to agree on - respecting another person's choice.”

Domitrz is a nationally-recognized speaker and author. He became an advocate for sexual assault survivors following the rape of his sister in 1989. His “Can I Kiss You?” presentation covers the delicate issues of healthy dating, misconceptions about body language, the importance of asking permission, the trauma of sexual assault, and the significance of respect.

“Everyone should want youth to respect their bodies and the bodies of their partners,” said Domitrz. “And the key to respect is ‘asking first.’”

To learn more about The Date Safe Project, visit www.TheDateSafeProject.org.

###