Health, Wellbeing and Belonging Health and lifestyle Healthy living Relationships and sexual health

Relationships and sexual health

Relationships

Healthy relationships are essential for overall well-being and offer numerous benefits to our lives. Everyone deserves to be in a safe and nurturing relationship.

Several factors contribute to whether a sexual relationship is positive and fulfilling or unhealthy and potentially dangerous. At the core of a healthy sexual relationship is respect, which involves open communication and integrity. In such a relationship, both partners feel free to express their feelings while honoring each other's needs and boundaries regarding intimacy.

Take the Relationship Quiz to find out if your relationship is on track.

If your relationship moves off track there are people who can help both on campus and in the community.  You can discuss relationship issues confidentially on campus with JCU Mental Health and Counselling or a University or Community Health Service.

Sexual health

Sexual health encompasses various elements that influence both physical and emotional well-being. This includes aspects like relationships, sexuality, sexual interactions, pregnancy, and more.

Sexual relationships should be enjoyable and safe, free from feelings of shame or fear. Participation in sexual activities must always be consensual; no one should feel pressured or coerced into any sexual encounter they do not wish to engage in.

The University is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to essential information about their sexual health, along with supportive services to promote their well-being.

Sexual activity without consent constitutes sexual assault, which is always a crime.

Assuming consent is never enough. It’s crucial for everyone involved in a sexual encounter to ensure that each person has given their clear and enthusiastic consent. The most effective way to achieve this is by directly asking.

All students at JCU are required to complete the JCU Respect Module. This course is designed to help you understand how to seek consent, recognise it, and identify circumstances where it cannot be given.

Learn more about consent

Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) can be easily spread through sexual contact, often without showing any symptoms, and their prevalence is increasing. Using condoms consistently is an effective way to protect yourself and your partner from STIs. If you suspect you might have an STI, don’t worry—schedule an appointment with a doctor to get tested.

For more information on STIs and sexual health, check out the following websites for guidance and resources.

Getting tested for STIs is an important step in maintaining both your sexual health and that of your partner.

Regular sexual health checks are recommended:

  • Every 12 months or when you change partners
  • If you have unprotected sex
  • If a condom breaks

A sexual health check is a consultation with a healthcare professional to screen for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and address any other sexual health concerns. It also provides an opportunity to discuss your sexuality and reproductive health.

Confidential and non-judgmental sexual health checks can be arranged through any of the following sexual health service providers.

Support and action groups

  • Interact with sexually and gender diverse students and allies, or help support diversity and inclusiveness at JCU by joining the JCU Pride Alliance group.
  • See also the Cairns LGBT Alliance.
  • Headspace is the national youth mental health foundation dedicated to improving the wellbeing of young Australians.
  • Out for Australia seeks to support and mentor aspiring LGBTIQ professionals as they navigate their way through the early stages of their career.
  • National LGBTI Health Alliance recognises that people’s genders, bodies, relationships, and sexualities affect their health and wellbeing in every domain of their life.
  • SSAY IT Cairns is a group for LGBTIQ+ young people. Phone Youth Link on (07) 4031 6179.
  • Queensland Police Service (QPS) works closely with the LGBTIQA+ communities to develop partnerships, awareness and understanding of impacting issues. The QPS LGBTIQ+ Liaison Program provides a professional, non-discriminatory, accessible policing service to LGBTIQA+ communities. Those identifying as LGBTIQA+ can request to discuss police-related matters with a liaison officer in their local area.

Referral websites

JCU Policy

MySafety for Students

MySafety is a new website for JCU students who are worried about something that happened during sex, who are concerned about their relationship, or who are trying to help a friend. It’s a safe, inclusive & completely anonymous space.

Click here to go to the Mysafety website.