“Consent is key.”
This is a saying most people have heard before, but what does it mean? What is consent?
Consent simply means “permission”. When giving consent, a person is giving another permission to do something.
For example, when getting a piercing, a consent form must be signed giving the piercer permission to pierce.
Consent is the most important concept in a relationship.
Asking for consent should be a priority when engaging in any sexual activities with another person, even if you and that person have been in a relationship before. Consent should be asked for every time. If it is not clearly given, then respect your partner's decision.
Consent is not automatically given if you are dating the person.
Consent is not “well, they didn’t say no.”
Consent is not given because someone dresses a certain way.
Consent is not given through a smile.
Consent is not given when the other person doesn’t say anything at all.
Consent is given when one person asks permission and the other person says “yes.”
Consent can be taken back at ANY point in time. If consent is taken back, immediately stop whatever is going on and don’t try to push the subject at that time.
If you are unsure if consent has been given, simply ask “is this okay?”
