What is consent?

 

In law, sexual consent is when we agree to sexual activity by choice, and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

 

That means that someone cannot give their consent when they are:

 

• scared or threatened
• bullied
• very drunk or under the influence of drugs
• asleep

 

If you said ‘yes’ to something because you were scared for your life or safety, or for the life or safety of someone you care about, you didn’t consent.

 

If your body froze or ‘flopped’ / went limp or you weren’t able to speak, it doesn’t mean you gave your consent for what happened to you.  

 

Everyone has the right to say no to sex. You also have the right to change your mind about wanting sex.

 

It doesn’t matter if you have given consent to sex with that person in the past, or if you’re in a relationship with the other person – you still have the right to say no to sex with them.

 

Call our helpline on 0800 448 0710