Wellington City Council is welcoming and supporting a consent campaign which is launching ahead of the festive season.

Council has teamed up with the Hospitality New Zealand Wellington branch and Police to help prevent sexual assault in Wellington.

More than 50 Wellington hospitality businesses have signed up to the Don’t Guess The Yes campaign, sending out a clear message that sexual assault isn’t tolerated in the capital.

“Central Wellington is a great destination for people to go out and enjoy, and is one of the safest places to visit in the country, but we know there is always the potential for harm, and prevention is the best solution," says Mayor Justin Lester.

“The Don’t Guess The Yes campaign is a strongly collaborative initiative between Police, Hospitality New Zealand, 50 Wellington bars, 200 staff, and university student associations.

"We need to get the message through that sexual violence is not tolerated in Wellington," adds the Mayor.

Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons, who holds the City Safety portfolio, says there is a long-term commitment to end sexual violence in Wellington.

"It is important that agencies and specialist sexual violence agencies work together on this campaign. Ending sexual violence in Wellington will only occur with a city-wide effort.

“We must ensure that everyone understands that consent must be active, freely given and voluntary. This campaign sends an important message about consent and shows that Wellington will not tolerate sexual violence.”

Don’t Guess The Yes launches this weekend, when Police will kick it off with a targeted social media campaign.

It's also supported by the Sexual Assault Prevention Network, Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association and Massey University Students Association.

ENDS

© Scoop Media