What Consent Is
Consent is when one person voluntarily acknowledges and is in agreement to participate in a sexual activity. All participants involved in sexual activity must obtain and give consent before every sexual act. Consent is an informed, voluntary, and active agreement to engage in sexual activity.
Consent must be:
- Informed: The individuals understand the sexual activity they are agreeing to;.
- Voluntary: The individuals agree to the activity freely and without coercion, intimidation, or force; and
- Active: The individuals communicate their agreement to engage in the activity through affirmative words and/or actions. Consent cannot be assumed.
- Revocable: Consent given on one occasion doesn’t justify consent for future sexual activity. Consent may be given and withdrawn at any point, regardless of the relationship