Consent

Consent is the foundation of safer sex. It makes sure you and your partner are enjoying the sex you’re having and are respected and comfortable.

Consent is needed every single time you engage in any type of sex – whether it’s kissing, sex, sexting or sending nudes. It’s not a one-off “yes” but a continuous conversation.

Giving and getting consent doesn’t have to ruin the mood or be a stiff, awkward, formal conversation. Instead, it means paying attention to your partner’s actions, words and sounds every time you have sex and throughout each sexual encounter and talking about what you want, don’t want, like and don’t like.

Consent needs to be…

  • Every time – You can’t assume consent because you’ve had sex before.  
  • Ongoing – It can be withdrawn at any point and if you’ve consented to one thing doesn’t mean you have consented to something else.
  • Freely given – With no pressure or manipulation. If someone feels they have to, that’s not consent.
  • Clear – Silence, hesitation or “maybe” isn’t consent. Look for enthusiastic consent.
  • Sober – Consent cannot be given if someone is too drunk or too high to fully understand or make decisions.

Getting help

If someone forces you to do something sexual that you do not want to do, it is never your fault and it is not okay. If this has happened to you, you should speak to someone you trust to get help and support and report what has happened.

Find support