We are back for another round of Sexual Health Week!
CSI is here to help support you and your sexual health and most importantly ensure that you are engaging in safe sex and safe relationships. Let’s talk consent!
What is Consent?
Consent is an agreement by both partners to participate in sexual behaviour. Consent should be expressed openly with your partner so that you both can better understand and respect each other’s boundaries.
A person who is underage, impaired by drugs or alcohol, unconscious or asleep cannot offer consent. It is not considered consent if someone agrees to anything under pressure, threat, or intimidation because it was not freely given.
How Does Consent Work?
Consent works through communication that must happen every time for any activity. One-time consent for an activity does not imply consent for further activities or future consent for the same activity, for example, giving someone consent to kiss you does not give that person consent to remove your clothes. It’s extremely important to clarify boundaries and expectations with your partner.
Can I Change My Mind?
Absolutely. You have the right to withdraw consent at any time if you are not comfortable. One way to do this is to express to your partner that you no longer feel comfortable engaging in the activity and that you want to stop.
What Consent Does NOT Look Like
- Ignoring the word “no”
- A partner who is visibly upset or unresponsive
- Assuming that certain clothes, flirting, or kissing is an invitation for anything more
- Using fear or intimidation to pressure someone into sexual activity
If you are in need of additional support and would like to learn more about Conestoga’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention & Support Office, click the button below!
Learn More