Get Consent
Consent
Consent is an agreement between individuals to engage in a specific sexual activity. It is important to communicate about the intent and the type of sexual activity that you want and are willing to engage in. Agreeing to a kiss does not indicate that it is also permission to engage in another sexual activity. Having sex once also does not indicate that the individual gives you the permission to engage in sex on another occasion. Hence, ask before you engage in any specific type of sexual activity. It also shows that you respect your partner. You also have the right to withdraw your consent at any one time when you feel uncomfortable. Let your partner know that you wish to stop engaging in that sexual activity.
Remember, no means no; yes means yes. Sexual activity is meant to be enjoyable for each individual involved. You can only enjoy it if you agree to it. If you are not sure, ASK. Here are some signs that you can pay attention to know if you should proceed with a sexual activity.
Stop:
- One or both of you are too intoxicated to give or gauge consent (e.g. slurred speech, impaired motor skills, problems with balance)
- Your patner is unconscious
- You are using physical force or are coercing your partner (e.g. asking repeatedly, intimidating) to have sex
- Your partner says no to any sexual activity
- You hope your partner will say nothing and just follow what you want
Pause and Talk:
- You are not sure what they other person wants
- You feel like you are getting mixed signals
- You have not talked about what you want to do
- You assume you will do the same thing as before
- Your partner stops or is not responsive
Keep Talking:
- There is a mutual decision on the type of sexual activity that everyone wants to engage in
- Partners clearly express their comfort in the situation
- You feel comfortable and safe stopping at any time
