What consent means
Consent is a freely given, informed, specific, ongoing and reversible agreement to an activity. It should be made without pressure, threats, manipulation or fear. A person can change their mind at any time, including after activity has started.
Consent must be possible
Someone who is unconscious or too impaired to understand and choose cannot provide valid consent. Silence, freezing, lack of resistance or being in a relationship is not the same as agreement. Laws and legal definitions vary by jurisdiction; when unsure, stop and seek clear communication.
How to communicate
- Ask what the other person wants and what they do not want.
- Use clear language rather than guessing.
- Check in when circumstances or activities change.
- Accept “no,” hesitation or a request to stop without arguing or punishing.
- Discuss contraception, barriers, testing and privacy beforehand when possible.
If a boundary was crossed
It is not the affected person’s fault if someone ignored their boundaries. Consider reaching out to a trusted person, a qualified health professional or a local sexual-assault support service. If in immediate danger, seek local emergency help.