Category > Consent, Forms of Violence, Sex
Consent - What are you actually Consenting to?
Sexual consent is when a person willingly agrees to engage in a sexual activity or have sex.
Consent Checklist
- Constantly communicate with your partner. This doesn’t have to be a sit-down chat (although it can be) but simply asking is this okay, do you like this?
- Read their body language. Are they relaxed, happy and saying yes with both their body and words?
- Listen to what your partner is saying and communicating. If there is any doubt as to whether someone is consenting or not then STOP. Check in with them. If they are unsure do not carry on.
- Make sure you always have consent.
DON’T DO
- If there is no consent, then there is no sexual activity. It’s that simple.
- Do not continue if a person is silent, not responding, upset, tense, withdrawn, resistance or has no eye contact with you.
- If there is no clear communication coming back to you or you are not feeling sure, don’t continue.
- Don’t carry on regardless. Any sexual activity without consent is sexual assault or rape.
Is there a time when someone is unable to, and does not have the capacity to give consent? Yes! If a person has had alcohol, drugs, is asleep, unconscious, or being unclear in any way. If a person is 13 or younger they are not able to give consent as they do not have the capacity to agree or give permission.
Making sure you get and have the capacity to give consent before any sexual activity is super important!
Consent should always be clear, so you must make sure you have it. Never assume you have consent!
If you have had consent from a person one time it doesn’t mean you automatically have consent from them another time! Consent should always be a part of your communication with your partner.
