Viral petition by Chanel Contos: 4,000+ people come forward with allegations of sexual assault

*Content warning: This story may contain graphic descriptions and strong language, which could be confronting and disturbing.

Greek Australian Chanel Contos, creator of the petition to have consent and rape culture integrated into sexual education much earlier in the curriculum, has launched a website.

Her movement is growing massively by the day.

There are more than 21,804 signatories. And 4,000+ of sexual assault horror stories.

On the website www.teachusconsent.com, you can sign the petition for sexual education to be taught in schools from a young age, email your old school/ your MP or submit a personal testimony of assault.

“1500 is the amount of testimonies that have been reviewed,” she posted on her Instagram.

Many of the testimonies express the deep shame and trauma the young women have carried with them for a significant period of time before they dared to tell anyone.

Contos’ mission is to overhaul sexual education in schools across the entirety of Australia, and is asking that the curriculum include a varying range of topics such as sexual coercion, victim-blaming, toxic masculinity, slut-shaming, rape culture, female pleasure and queer sex.

All testimonies and signatories will be presented to MPs across the country to advocate for greater sex ed at an earlier age across Australia.

If you would like to sign the petition, or submit an anonymous testimony, you can do so here.

Viral petition by Chanel Contos calls for earlier sex and consent education in Australian schools

Where to find support if you have been impacted by rape, sexual assault or domestic violence:

Australia:

• National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
• Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 131 114
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

International:

• 1800 respect (Greece)
• RAINN (USA)