Got a question about sex or your sexual health? Join our campus events or visit our new online hub where ‘You CAN ask that’
How informed and confident do you feel about sex and your sexual health? This part of your life may sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not aware of some essential facts or the whole thing is just completely new to you.
Sex can be amazing, but there’s no doubt it can be complicated and can bring with it a whole lot of questions. It’s completely natural to feel a little embarrassed or intimidated talking about sex – especially if you don’t have a trusted person to confide in, or you’re not sure how to broach the topics you want to know more about. And that’s OK! We rarely always have all the answers.
As part of Deakin’s Student Health Promotion Plan 2023–2025, we’ve teamed up with Sexual Health Victoria to bring you You CAN Ask That, a frank and fearless video series about all things sex and sexual health. We want to help empower you to make informed decisions that are right for you, your body and your lifestyle.
Visit our new You CAN Ask That webpage
Chrissy Keenan, Sexual Health Educator from Sexual Health Victoria, covers these common sex topics based on questions we are hearing from students:
- What is sexual health?
- What are sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and how to prevent and treat them
- Contraception options and your choices
- What are your options if an unintended pregnancy occurs.
Visit the You CAN Ask That webpage now.
Join our You CAN Ask That events next week
As part of DUSA’s Self Care Week (Monday 15–Saturday 20 May), we’re also running You CAN Ask That pop-up events so come and join our Deakin Wellbeing Ambassadors on campus.
These free events will include fun activities where we’ll be giving away sexual health packs and providing helpful resources. Stop by our spinning wheel of questions and pick up some freebies! If you’d like to have a confidential chat with a professional about anything personal, our Wellbeing Ambassadors can point you in the right direction too.
Waurn Ponds Campus
Tuesday 16 May, 11.30am–1.30pm
Union Green (during Beats & Eats)
If the weather is poor, this event will move to the East/West Dining Hall
Burwood Campus
Wednesday 17 May, 11.30am–1.30pm
Morgan’s Walk (during Beats & Eats)
If the weather is poor, this event will move to the Student Central precinct (Building HF)
Warrnambool Campus
Wednesday 17 May, 11.30am–1.30pm
Brother Fox/Cafe West (during Beats & Eats)
Waterfront Campus
Thursday 18 May, 11.30am–1.30pm
John Hay Courtyard (during Beats & Eats)
If the weather is poor, this event will move to the Gallery
If you can’t make it to campus or want to learn more in your own time, remember to check out the great range of videos and resources on the You CAN Ask That webpage.
How to keep looking after your sexual health
Did you know that you can have a free and confidential sexual health check at the Deakin Medical Centre? Ask about contraception; get screened and treated for an STI; and access pregnancy counselling, support and referrals. You’ll be in a safe space where you can ask questions and get the peace of mind and confidence that comes from learning about your body.
There’s also a range of community organisations with fantastic websites full of resources and advice on sex and relationships, in English and other languages. Sexual Health Victoria’s website and YouTube channel have heaps of sexual health info. 1800 my options (1800 696 784) is also a great go-to for information about contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health in Victoria. You can find other great resources at ReachOut.com and the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.
If you have personal questions or are seeking general advice about your psychological and emotional wellbeing, you can make a free appointment with a qualified Deakin counsellor or access our Student Assistance Program if you’re based overseas. You could also try Ask Counselling, our online counselling service for students, or download the DeakinWELLBEING app.
Safer Community is Deakin’s central point of contact for reports and disclosures of sexual harm and family violence. Our staff are trained to support anyone who has experienced sexual harm. We also encourage you to complete the Respect at Deakin module, a short online unit that includes topics like the importance of consent and what makes a healthy relationship.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual harm or family violence, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Deakin’s Safer Community service. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).