What is Protect and Respect?
It's a sexual health campaign designed specifically for young men
in Jersey. The campaign aims to encourage young men to use a condom
every time they have sex.
We asked local young men what they think about condoms and what
stops them from using them. They told us that even though they know
they should use them all the time, they don't. (Sound familiar!?).
In fact most of the lads we spoke to said they hardly ever use
condoms when they're drunk, when they have a one night stand, and
that even when they're in a relationship they normally stop using
condoms after a while.
However nearly all the lads we talked to said that although they
didn't always use condoms they really worried a lot about pregnancy
and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) afterwards.
Why make a sexual health campaign just for young
men?
There are lots of reasons why it was important to create a campaign
just for young men. In Jersey sexually transmitted infections are
highest amongst young people under 25, and the local HIV diagnoses
between 1998 and 2007 were highest amongst males. Also, the local
Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire (HRBQ) that all young people
complete in schools shows young men's knowledge and understanding
of sexual health is not as good as girls of the same age. Results
from the same questionnaire also show young men say they are not as
confident as girls to say not to sex they do not want, and young
men generally don't access sexual health services or support
services.
Why make a website just for young men?
It's quite simple-lads don't like going to services! The young men
we spoke to said they felt local services in Jersey are not really
for them and that they're just for girls. This means that when they
have a problem or need some help and advice they don't feel they
have anywhere to go, or anyone to talk to. They also said that they
prefer to get information from the internet as it's private,
discreet and they can access it whenever it suits them. So boys, we
created this website just for you…..!
What if I'm not ready for sex?
That's absolutely fine! It's not compulsory to have sex, in fact
you should only ever have sex when you are really ready for it and
you really want to do it. Even if you're a virgin or simply
choosing not to have sex right now you still might want to think
about where you can get free condoms from for when the time feels
right for you. If you are thinking about having sex, then it is
important that you are ready and that you make sure you get
contraceptive advice to protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy
and sexually transmitted infections.
And remember, every time you have sex it's o.k to say 'no' or
'stop' at any point if you don't want to continue. Nobody has the
right to make you do anything you don't want to do. Sex should be
fun, not something that stresses you out or leaves you feeling
worried or anxious. Whether it's your first time, or your
hundred-and-first time, sex should be something that you enjoy and
can have safely. So be prepared, always carry a condom and only
have sex if you really want to.