The Northern Territory is the only jurisdiction that has not made the change. It is similar to changes made in Queensland, the ACT, New South Wales and Tasmania.

In response, the state government said it would change the wording of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act from 'unlawful sexual relationship with a child' to 'sexual abuse of a child'. 'It is time for boys and girls to start authoring their own experience.' 'I really hope we can really start to change that and we can start to break down this myth that children are to be seen and not heard. 'For so long adult perpetrators have authored the narratives around child sexual abuse, not just in the minds of their victims but also in the mainstream consciousness,' she said. Ms Tame said the legislation must reflect the seriousness of the crime. Welcome to a novel that is not afraid to make you horribly uncomfortable and angry with all of its displeasures. Lifeline (24 hour crisis line) on 131 114 With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors) on 1800 272 831.Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028.'The previous terminology also gave scope for the sexualisation and adultification of boys and girls in a particularly dark, twisted context.' Sexual assault support services: 'Words hold immense weight,' Ms Tame said. Ms Tame said she was concerned the current wording - which uses the word 'relationship' - implied consent, diminishing the gravity of the offence. The change is the result of a campaign being led by abuse survivor and former Australian of the Year Grace Tame.

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