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1. Sexual consent must be explicit

There’s only one way to know for sure if someone has given their consent: if they tell you. Active consent means that you and your partner give each other a clear and explicit ‘yes’ to the sexual activity. It’s no good just to assume that the other person is as into what you are doing as you are. The absence of a ‘no’ isn’t enough. It’s extremely important to check, because any non-consensual intimate activity (even kissing and touching) is harmful and against the law.

2. You can always change your mind

You or your sexual partner can decide at any time that you don’t want to keep going, even if you have already started having sex. If this happens, both people should stop. If you don’t, that’s sexual assault.

3. It’s good to check in with each other

Take notice of your partner’s body language. For example, if they seem tense or uncomfortable when being physically intimate, pause and ask them how they’re feeling. But in saying that, if you are uncomfortable with anything you are doing, don’t just rely on your partner to notice your body language – tell them how you are feeling and if you want to stop or take a break.

4. It’s fine to slow things down or stop

There’s really no reason or rush to have sex, or do anything sexual, if you’re not feeling it. If things are moving along too quickly for you, you could say something like ‘Can we slow down?’, ‘Can we take a break?’ or ‘Can we stop?’ Your partner should always respect your feelings.

5. Drink and drugs affect consent

If you’re drunk or high, you can’t give consent. This is because consent must be given freely. If you are intoxicated, your capacity to make decisions can be affected and your decision might be influenced by drugs and alcohol. And if you’re sexual in any way with someone who’s drunk or high and doesn’t know what’s going on and therefore can’t give informed consent, it’s equivalent to sexually assaulting or raping them.

Source: reachout.com

Consent & Sexual Violence

You ALWAYS have the final say when it comes to YOUR body.

Consent is also about ongoing communication; you and your partner should be checking in with each other during any intimate/sexual activity to make sure you are both comfortable with what you’re doing. Sexual activity without consent is rape or sexual assault.

Sexual violence includes many forms of unwanted sexual attention, including physical contact and harassment. Most survivors of sexual violence were harmed by someone they knew. Roughly 1 in 3 victims of sexual assault experienced their first assault between the ages of 11-17, according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, please seek help from a trusted adult and/or community-based organization serving survivors. Some of these organizations are listed below.

Learn more about Unhealthy Relationships and Abusive/Toxic Relationships

Get Help

Get Help in Rhode Island:
In an emergency, please call 911

Rhode Island 24-hour Helpline:
1-800-494-8100

MORE HELP IN RHODE ISLAND

Get Help Outside of Rhode Island:
In an emergency, please call 911

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
Dial 988

Love Is Respect Helpline:
1-866-331-9474

Love is Respect help:
text LOVEIS to 22522

Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN):
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)