Consent

Consent is an ongoing process of discussing boundaries and what you’re comfortable with.

What is consent?

Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity.
It should be clearly and freely communicated.
A verbal and affirmative expression of consent can help individuals to understand and respect each other’s boundaries.
Consent cannot be given by individuals who are intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, or asleep or unconscious.
If someone agrees to an activity under pressure of intimidation or threat, that isn’t considered consent because it was not given freely.

How does consent work?

Consent is about communication.
It should happen every time for every type of activity.
Consenting to one activity, one time, does not mean someone gives consent for other activities or for the same activity on other occasions. For example, agreeing to kiss someone doesn’t give that person permission to remove your clothes. Having sex with someone in the past doesn’t give that person permission to have sex with you again in the future.

You can withdraw consent at any point if you feel uncomfortable.
One way to do this is to clearly communicate to your partner that you are no longer comfortable with this activity and wish to stop.
Withdrawing consent can sometimes be challenging or difficult to do verbally, so non-verbal cues can also be used to convey this.
The best way to ensure that all parties are comfortable with any sexual activity is to talk about it, check in periodically, and make sure everyone involved consents before escalating or changing activities.

Asking permission before you change the type or degree of sexual activity with phrases like “Is this OK?”
Confirming that there is reciprocal interest before initiating any physical touch.
Letting your partner know that you can stop at any time.
Periodically checking in with your partner, such as asking “Is this still okay?”
Providing positive feedback when you’re comfortable with an activity.
Explicitly agreeing to certain activities, either by saying “yes” or another affirmative statement, like “I’m open to trying.”
Using physical cues to let the other person know you’re comfortable taking things to the next level.

Refusing to acknowledge “no”
A partner who is disengaged, nonresponsive, or visibly upset
Assuming that wearing certain clothes, flirting, or kissing is an invitation for anything more
Someone being under the legal age of consent, as defined by the state
Someone being incapacitated because of drugs or alcohol Pressuring someone into sexual activity by using fear or intimidation
Assuming you have permission to engage in a sexual act because you’ve done it in the past

For more information please check out RAINN website.