There is widespread recognition that education on sexual consent is critical for young people's self efficacy (having the skills necessary to do well),  relationship satisfaction, sexual safety and wellbeing. The same recognition must be given to 1/2 million Australians living with dementia. Respectful relationships education is needed to promote sexual consent and navigate through the impacts of dementia on intimate relationship, sexuality and sexual activity. 

The Respectful Relationships Education for People Living with Dementia (Red) Project is led by Theresa Flavin, as part of a Philippa Campbell Fellowship to promote respectful relationships for people living with dementia. Fellowship outline here. The project is co-led by Dr Catherine Barrett. 

Project aim and activities

​The aim of the RED Project is to promote affirmative sexual consent in intimate relationships when one person in the relationship is living with dementia. To achieve this the project team will: 
  • Consult people living with dementia about the project activities
  • Conduct interviews with people living with dementia and their intimate partners
  • Host survey and discussion groups for people living with dementia
  • Draft a resource for people living with dementia on affirmative consent and seek feedback
  • Launch resource and deliver education for people living with dementia and their intimate partners
  • Host a community awareness campaign
  • Deliver education for service providers. ​

Interviews

We are currently calling for people living with dementia and their intimate partners to participate in interviews - or informally share their stories and strategies for sexual consent. Please download the information sheet and consent form (click link here) or contact us using the details below for more information. 

Project Support Network 

A project support network will be established, comprising service providers and others supporting the project. More information coming soon ...

About Theresa Flavin

Theresa Flavin is a Dementia Advocate and Educator who is passionate about the human rights of people living with dementia, particularly the right to respect and sexual consent. Theresa's has participated in the development of the following resources:
  • The Dementia MAP, here
  • Sexual consent in residential aged care, here
  • Sexual Consent seminar, here
  • An open letter on use of the BRUA, here
  • 2022 presentation on Sexual Consent to AAG national conference, here 
  • The Town Hall report, link here soon
  • THERESA ADD HUMAN RIGHTS AND SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING 

About the Philippa Campbell Fellowship

The Philippa Campbell Fellowship was launched in October 2013 and is awarded annually to older women working to combat the inequalities faced by older women. The Fellowship sits within the Elder Leadership Academy to honour the life and contributions of Philippa Campbell, a passionate feminist, gerontologist and the former CEO of Elder Rights Advocacy, Victoria.

Contact the Project Team