The content in this section was developed in partnership with Teach Us Consent, an organization dedicated to consent education.
There are a lot of misconceptions around consent: that it’s a simple “yes” or “no”, a permanently binding one-off exchange, or a rushed tick-box exercise. This is far from the reality.
Consent is nuanced, complex and involves ongoing conversations.
1. Affirmative and Communicated
Consent isn’t just the absence of a “no”. It's a clear, enthusiastic and genuine “yes”.
Everyone involved must actively, and regularly, check for that consent to keep going.
The affirmative “yes” can be communicated verbally, or shown through body language.
2. Free and Voluntary
True consent can only be given if people are not pressured, guilted, manipulated or forced in any way.
It should be given without coercion or influence from others. Consent is present only when everyone involved genuinely and enthusiastically wants to engage in the sexual activity.
3. Ongoing and Mutual
Consent can be withdrawn at any time, even after something has started.
Anyone can change their mind at any time, even if they initially said yes. Consent for past sexual activity does not mean consent can be assumed in the future.
4. Reflective of Capacity
A range of factors, including age, intoxication, consciousness or other impairment, can affect someone’s capacity to consent. Consent should come from a genuine desire to participate, not from obligation or fear, and everyone involved needs to feel able to say yes or no.
5. Specific and Informed
Consent is specific to each action, each time.
Agreeing to one activity doesn’t mean agreeing to others. Saying yes to one thing (like kissing) doesn't mean saying yes to other things (like further sexual activity), nor does it mean they’ve auto-consented to all activities for the whole night.
Everyone involved should understand what they’re agreeing to.