Edinburgh Napier University

  Sexual health is a concept in which the definition adapts to fit the current “sociocultural, historical, and political climate” (Coleman, 2011:19). As we see our society becoming more concerned with the idea of consent within sexual relationships, we also see a shift in our sexual health definition. Movements such as the “#metoo” campaign highlight the way in which consent in sexual relationships is now being discussed in more public forums including health policy and practice.

Outcome 4 of the “Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus” framework addresses the aim to make sexual relationships safe, respectful and free from coercion. This project will measure the progress of this outcome by conducting interviews with sexual health staff who are working closely with service users. As the outcomes set out in the SHBBV framework are to be achieved through the work of the NHS, third sector organisations working collaboratively, the interviews will take place across sectors. The research aim of this project is to evaluate these conversations and highlight if more support is required to facilitate discussions surrounding sexual consent.

In order to examine at how conversations are being facilitated, it is important to understand how sexual health providers and users understand the concept of sexual consent. Within this project, NHS and third sector organisations understood their roles within sexual health differently. Therefore affecting the way in which they discuss and deal with sexual consent within their role. In addition, service-users generally failed to understand the complexities of consent, thus hindering sexual health professionals ability to have these conversations. This project advances a case that consent is a complex subject, and in order for beneficial conversations to be had around consent, providers and service-users alike must understand consent in its entirety.