Tessa Fox launches 'No Consent = Sexual Abuse' zine

Tessa Fox of Brisbane band Kiri has done something incredibly important. She founded the community and zine project 'No Consent = Sexual Abuse', which sheds light on sexual abuse 'in communities where women are the minority'. In particular, it focuses on sexual abuse in music and in skateboarding. On November 7, 'No Consent = Sexual Abuse' launched a zine.

"No Consent = Sexual Abuse brings realisation that many people you know are experiencing uncomfortable and distressing situations on a day-to-day basis. I have gathered stories from around Australia and as far as the United States. These are personal stories and often detailed accounts from sexual abuse survivors. Each story has been accompanied by an illustration depicting the scene the abuse occurred in. This ingrains the statistic that women are nine times more likely to be raped in their home or three times more likely to be raped by someone they know. The personal stories allow more depth to be given to such statistics. The public can no longer ignore this sort of human pain."

We encourage you to check out the zine here. Read more about the project here, and check out some suggestions to address the problem below. If you're dealing with any of the issues discussed, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (or online).

"HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED

• Continue to spread the messages that this project aims to address.

• Stand up to rape culture, disrespect and gender inequality within your peers.

• Be an active listener to people who have suffered trauma.

• Direct people to me if they wish to share their story to the public, with their real name, an alias or anonymously. This encourages people to discuss this issue, making more people aware of sexual abuse.

• Use consent in your everyday life. Ask before touching someone. Don’t ever assume because it has been ok once before or in the past.

• Make sure people and yourself are comfortable.

• Use your voice.

• Attend one of my consent and anti violence workshops.

• Surround yourself with people who share the same values as you."