Consent means you agree, but make sure you know what you are agreeing to.
What is consent?
Sexual consent means 'willing agreement'. Sex without consent is rape.
Making sure you get and give consent before having any kind of sex really matters.
Consent should always be clear, so you must ensure you have it or have given it.
Sex is only sexy when it’s between two people who have given their consent.
How do I know if consent has been given?
When you fancy someone and want to have sex, always check they want it too. If you are not sure, ask. They might tell you directly or show you with their actions. For example:
- Looking at you, smiling and nodding
- Being relaxed and happy
- Being enthusiastic and responsive
- Telling you what they want
- Responding to you with their body, e.g., kissing you back and touching you
- Murmuring sweet nothings into your ear
If the person says any of these things or something similar - stop.
- ‘No’
- ‘I don’t know’
- ‘I’m not sure’
- ‘Not now’
- ‘Get off’
- ‘Don’t do that’
- ‘I feel worried’
- ‘Do I have to?’
- ‘Stop’
- ‘Not again’
Signs consent hasn't been given
If the person you want to have sex with shows any of these signs don’t have sex with them.
- Slurred speech
- Passing out
- Stillness
- Incoherent talking
- Sleeping
- Resistance
- No eye contact
- Rigid or tense body
- Silence
- Shaking
- Flinching
- Crying
- Frozen or frightened expression
If it’s not your body, it’s not your decision. Make sure it's clear you have consent.
Tea and consent
If you’re still struggling with consent just imagine instead of initiating sex you’re making them a cup of tea.
The animation is being used with permission by Thames Valley Police.
Animation courtesy of Emmeline May at rock star dinosaur pirate princess.com and Blue Seat Studios.
Copyright © 2015 Rock Star Dinosaur Pirate Princess and Blue Seat Studios.
Images are Copyright ©2015 Blue Seat Studios.
The law
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to have sex (boys and girls).
Sex without consent is rape. Rape is illegal.