Consent is an ongoing, enthusiastic, and revocable agreement to engage in sexual activity.
It should be obtained before and during any sexual encounter.
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Nonverbal cues like body language and tone of voice are important in assessing consent, but verbal consent is the gold standard.
Consent cannot be assumed, even in long-term relationships.
Partners should explicitly ask for consent each time.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time during a sexual encounter.
Partners must respect if someone changes their mind.
Drugs, alcohol, or other substances can impair one's ability to give full consent.
Consent is not valid if someone is intoxicated.
Coercion, threats, or manipulation invalidate consent.
Consent must be freely given without pressure or force.
Silence or passivity does not equal consent.
Partners must actively agree to engage in sexual activity.
There is no "consent app" or checkbox that can replace the need for ongoing, enthusiastic verbal consent.
Consent should be sought for each new sexual act, not just at the beginning of an encounter.
Consent is not permanent - it must be asked for and given in the present moment, not assumed from the past.
Asking for consent can be incorporated into foreplay and made a natural part of intimacy.
Respecting boundaries and checking in throughout are signs of care and maturity, not mood-killers.
Consent education should start early and be an ongoing conversation, not just for young people.
Affirmative consent policies are becoming more common on college campuses to promote a culture of consent.
Consent is not just for sexual activity - it applies to any physical or intimate touching.
Consent is a core component of healthy, ethical relationships built on mutual respect.
Asking for consent may feel awkward at first, but it gets easier with practice and becomes second nature.
Consent is not just about saying "yes" - it's also about being able to say "no" without fear or pressure.
Seeking consent is a skill that can be learned and improved upon with open communication.
Consent is a fundamental human right that must be upheld to prevent sexual violence and abuse.