Exploring the Impacts of Pornography on Sexual Violence and Health

Join Physiotherapist Christine Waddell to explore the impacts of pornography on sexual violence and sexual health, hosted by Alexandra Diggles, PPFA.

Monday 19 October 2026 at 4pm WA | 5:30pm NT | 6:30pm SA | 6pm QLD | 7pm NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS

The widespread availability of pornography in the digital age has significant implications for the physical and psychological health of young people. In the absence of comprehensive sexual education, young people often turn to pornography to learn about sex, it can shape their perceptions, expectations, and behaviours in ways that may not align with healthy or consensual relationships. This webinar provides insights suitable to all clinicians working with young people in both the areas of mental health and sexual and reproductive health.

Christine Waddell is a physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience in women’s health, working across obstetrics and gynaecology. Her clinical practice includes supporting women who have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Christine holds a Master of International Health, enabling her to integrate clinical expertise with global and culturally responsive approaches in her current role as Education and Programs Officer for FGM/C and culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities. She is a co-founder of the Australian FGM/C Support Network for Healthcare Providers and is deeply committed to advancing education, advocacy, and culturally safe care. Christine has a long-held aspiration to visit the Cathryn Hamlin Fistula Hospital, with plans to undertake this visit in 2027. Recently Christine has been given the opportunity to explore the area of pornography’s impact on health which has increasingly become evident in both her clinical and non-clinical roles.

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the current sexual experiences of young people in terms of sources of information and its influence on their understanding of sex and relationships.

  • List the potential physical and psychological health impacts of pornography and intimate partner violence

  • Apply knowledge of healthy, consensual sexual relationships to clinical conversations with young people, including exploring their experiences, expectations and understanding of what sex looks and feels like.

Post Session Resources

1. Sex Education and Sexual Pleasure 

The Modern Guide to Sex – Normal: https://itsnormal.com/en-gb/pages/modern-guide-to-sex — A guide to sex education, pleasure and sexual wellbeing.

O.school: https://www.o.school/ — Accessible sex education covering pleasure, bodies and relationships.

OMGYES: https://www.omgyes.com/ — Research-informed education about women's pleasure, sexual touch and intimacy.

Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.: https://www.emilynagoski.com/ — Resources on sexual desire, arousal, pleasure and the influence of stress and context.

2. Relationship Therapy and Couples' Intimacy 

Isiah McKimmie – Relationship Therapy and Sexology: https://isiah-mckimmie.com/ — Relationship counselling, sex therapy, communication and intimacy support.

Relationship Harmony – Thinkific: https://isiah-s-site.thinkific.com/ — Online courses for individuals and couples, with resources relating to relationships, intimacy, sexual desire and communication.

Melba – Couples and Intimacy: https://en.melba.app/ — Guided experiences and activities to support connection, intimacy and communication. Apple App Store search.

 3. Pelvic Pain and Painful Sex

 Pleasure & Peach: https://www.pleasureandpeach.com.au/ — Sexual education covering pleasure, pelvic health, desire and sexual wellbeing.

What Is Sexual Pain? ACOG sexual health information — Clinical information about sexual health concerns, including painful sex.

 4. Practical Exercises and Worksheets

 Sensate Focus: https://health.cornell.edu/pdf-library/sensate-focus — Structured mindful-touch exercises to help couples explore physical sensations, reduce performance pressure and build intimacy.

Turning Off the Offs Worksheets – Emily Nagoski: https://www.emilynagoski.com/come-as-you-are-worksheets — Exercises to help identify factors that inhibit sexual desire and explore what supports arousal and pleasure.

 5. Sexual Health Services and Australian Resources

 Melbourne Sexual Health Centre: https://www.mshc.org.au/ — Sexual health information, STI testing, treatment and clinical services.

Sexual Health Victoria: https://shvic.org.au/communities/resources — Sexual and reproductive health information and resources.

Thorne Harbour Health: https://thorneharbour.org/ — LGBTIQA+ community health, sexual health services and wellbeing support.

 6. LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Healthcare

 The Melbourne Clinic – LGBTQIA+ Resources: https://themelbourneclinic.com.au/about/LGBTQIA — Information about inclusive mental health care and support.