Social Consent
What is your social connection or relationship to the person you want to have sex with? Dating, Married, Hook-up, etc.? Do you know them well enough to understand their boundaries? Do you know what activities they usually consent to? Have you communicated your sexual boundaries and intentions to them? Our relationship to the person we want to have sex with is not enough to determine if we have consent. We are never owed sexual activity with any person we are in relationships with.
Every person over the age of consent has the choice to decide: WHO they have sex with; WHEN they want to have sex; & WHAT sexual activities they are willing to participate in, no exceptions.
Married people require consent. Dating people require consent. Hook-ups require consent.
ALL people in any type of relationship require consent before, and during sexual activity.
To initiate or continue sexual activity with another person who has not given an enthusiastic “yes” is sexual assault.
In order to determine if we are receiving consent from our intended partners, The Gold standard is VERBAL CONSENT*, every time, every step of the way.
Being a respectful sexual partner always begins with a conversation.
Ask your sexual partner what activities they would like to participate in with you and what their sexual boundaries are. Additionally, you should share what sexual activities you are or aren’t comfortable with.
Once those boundaries are established and everyone agrees on what activities they want to participate in, you can have fun “getting it on” together!
Always remember to check in with your partner to ensure they are still comfortable and enjoying themselves. Consent can be withdrawn at anytime so we need to make sure we are paying attention to our partners! You can ensure you have ongoing consent by…
Asking if they are still comfortable
Respecting if they want to stop the activity or try something else
Not sure if your partner is enjoying the sexual act? Stop all sexual activity.
Remember, anything less than an enthusiastic “YES!” = “NO”
Have you asked the person if they want to engage in sexual activities with you? You must ask for consent for every sexual act, every time, every step of the way. Not sure if you have consent? ASK!