Several times a day we give consent or say no to other people. Why should it be different in intimate relationships? On November 25, the social campaign “Continuation after consent” was launched. A spot that promotes this campaign was released online and on screens. The pozgodzie.pl website was also launched to provide a knowledge on consent in intimate relations. And it all was implemented within the framework of global program named “16 days of action against gender-based violence.”
700 million – that is how many women will experience violence at least once in their lives, according to the UN data. The research indicates that in many cases the violence that women face is the violence in the intimate sphere, and the perpetrator usually is a former or current partner – according to STER Foundation analysis, in Poland it ranges up to 85% of cases. We decided that as part of the “16 days of action against gender-based violence” action we will raise the subject of consent, because in terms of it Polish legislation differs from global standards. This is what the “Continuation of Consent” campaign will be about. Currently Polish law does not define such concept as ” conscious consent,” and according to the law sexual violence is not a crime if the abused person’s refusal or protest was vague or not obvious, says Piotr Sasin, country director of CARE International in Poland.
Orange as the color of non-violence
“16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence” is a global campaign organized since 1991. It begins on November 25, in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on December 10, on the Human Rights Day. The symbol of the campaign is orange color, that is supposed to signify a better, violence-free future. And it is the color that is used to illuminate buildings around the world every year. At this year’s event in Poland such buildings as Slasko-Dabrowski Bridge in Warsaw and the Bernatka Footbridge in Krakow will be orange-lighted.
Continuation after consent
The global 16-day campaign became the pretext for CARE International in Poland and five partner organizations – Autonomy, FEDERY, Foundation Towards Dialogue, Polish Migration Forum and SEXEDPL – to create a common campaign called “Continuation after consent.” Its main goal is to make young people aware that in intimate relationships they have the possibility for consenting or refusing sexual contact with another person. And that this is something completely normal. This is the inspiration behind the spot “Continuation after consent” promoting the campaign, whose director is Liza Ruda comes from Ukraine.
I wanted to make it possible for every woman, regardless of her background, to identify with the main character. My goal is to show young women that they are individuals and are not worse than men. If someone is offended by your refusal and disagreement, it’s not your problem, says Liza Ruda.
The campaign spot can be seen on the streets of Cracow and Warsaw, in the capital’s public transportation and on social media. The campaign also includes the launch of an educational website pozgodzie.pl with basic information on consent in intimate relationships, supplemented by helpful contacts. Content is available in Polish, Ukrainian and English.
Who’s behind the campaign?
The “Continuation after consent” campaign is led by Foundation CARE International in Poland in cooperation with community organizations: Autonomy, FEDERA, Foundation Towards Dialogue, Polish Migration Forum and SEXEDPL. CUKIER creative group is responsible for creative idea, strategy, communication, production of the spot. Media boutique milco is responsible for media buying.