Consent
Freely giving permission to participate in any sexual activity through words or action “Consent is more than simply saying, ‘Yes.’ Consent is when the people involved want and freely choose whatever the contact is. Being able to freely choose means without pressure, without threat, without manipulation, without force. If a person says, ‘yes’ under pressure, they aren’t consenting at all.” – Judy Cyprian
If there is the slightest doubt about whether a person is comfortable with your sexual advances, ask them, and respect their limits. People need to be able to consent on their own, not be talked into something they are unsure of. I
f your partner says this, then it’s time to stop and check-in:
| “I don’t want to get AIDS” | “I’m just not sure.” |
| “I don’t feel good about this.” | “I think I have had too much to drink” |
| “I don’t feel like it.” | “I’m not ready.” |
| “I don’t know.” | “Please stop!” |
| “I’m confused.” | “I don’t think I like you that much.” |
| “I’m scared.” | “I know we have done this before, but I don’t want to now.” |
| “I don’t want to go all the way.” | “I don’t feel I know you well enough.” |
| “I don’t want to get pregnant.” | “I need to go home.” |
| “Let’s take our time.” | “I don’t want to do more than petting.” |
| “I don’t like this.” | “It’s getting late.” |
If your partner does this, it’s a sign to stop and check in:
| Looking down | Avoiding being alone with you |
| Cringing | Reluctance to get into your car |
| Moving away | Getting up to get something to drink |
| Changing the subject | Getting up to go to the bathroom |
| Lack of eye contact | Guarding body (arms wrapped around waist) |
| Crying |