What is consent?

What consent is

• “Yes”
• “I’m sure”
• “I want to”
• “I still want to”
• “I want you to”
• “Is this OK?”
• “Is this still OK?

• Asking permission before you change the type or degree of sexual activity
• Confirming that there is reciprocal interest before initiating any physical touch
• Letting your partner know you/they can stop at any time
• Using physical cues to let the other person know you’re comfortable taking things to the next level
• Consent is never implied, the absence of a “no” is not a “yes”
• If you’re not sure that you’re getting a clear, enthusiastic yes from your partner, it is your responsibility to ask.  

What consent is not

• “No”
• “Stop”
• “I don’t want to”
• “Maybe we should wait”
• “This makes me uncomfortable”
• “I don’t want to do this anymore”
• “I want to, but..”

• Silence​
• Saying ‘yes’ to avoid a fight / argument​
• Doing something because “you owed them”​
• If they’re sleeping or unconscious​
• Use of threats/intimidation to coerce someone into something​
• When someone is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol​
• A use of position of authority/trust​
• They change their mind, earlier consent doesn’t count as consent later​
• You ignore their wishes or nonverbal cues to stop​
• You have consent for one sexual act, but not another sexual act​