What is Consent?

Consent is about...

Communication.

Consent doesn't have to be verbal, but it's always a good idea to ask your partner before doing anything that is sexual.

Two hands, the fisrt is passing a checkmark up. The second is passing a x mark down.

Just because consent is given once...

Dont Assume.

Even if someone has given permission for sexual activity in the past, don't assume that it's okay again. Permission has to be given each time.

Outline of a head, half is a face and the back of the head is a ship wheel.

You can change your mind...

At any time.

You can change your mind at any time and at any point in sexual activity. Tell your partner that you're not comfortable and want to stop. The best way to make sure everyone is comfortable is to talk about it. Remember, you have control over your body and should only do what you want to do.

thought bubble with 'yes' written in it.

Consent can look like this:

Ask: Is this ok?

Stating "yes" or "I'm open to trying that"
Giving physical cues that indicate agreement
Should be enthusiastic--your partner should want to!

No symbol, a circle with a a red diagonal line through it; running from top left to bottom right.

Consent does not look like this:

Stop!

Refusing to accept "no"
Wearing certain clothes, flirting, or kissing
Being incapacitated by drugs or alcohol
Pressuring someone into having sex through fear and intimidation.
Your partner seeming unsure or uncomfortable

Sources: rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent and http://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/relationships/sexual-consent