Elizabeth Smart Instagram – When I came up with the idea to create a consent course, my goal was that it would help minimize the amount of sexual assault that happens. I’ve come across too many scenarios where: -People didn’t realize they could say no, (even to their spouse). -People who had disclosed that they’d been assaulted yet were met with blame because they were wearing a particular outfit, at an event, or even under the influence, etc. So they just lived with the hurt and shame. -They didn’t realize they were assaulted because they mistook coercion for consent. But consent has so much more to do with staying safe from assault and abuse. Consent is a crucial principle that should be applied in various aspects of our lives to ensure autonomy, respect, and healthy relationships. This week over on Instagram, I did a free Consent Education Week. Yes, we learned how we could better our consent practice to safe from sexual assault, but I learned so much more from my guests. -The importance of sharing our stories. We can find a lot of healing in knowing that we aren’t alone. -How media shapes how we view consent, even just everyday relationships. -How being an active bystander makes a difference! – How can we create an open line of communication with our kids and teens so they will come to us when the bad stuff happens -How self-defense, just like consent, is a perishable skill, if we want to be good at them, we got to make it a lifelong practice. I’m so grateful to my guests for sharing their expertise and insight. If you want, you can catch the replay over on Instagram, it’s saved under my Consent Education Week highlight. If you want to improve your consent practice, you can take my Wholehearted Consent Course. Use the code CONSENT for 30% off. www.wholeheartedconsent.com Thank you to my guests! @indiaoxenberg @birdsandbeesask.me @thefoodnanny @consentparenting @utahjitsmama