Consent

It really is true that understanding what others want when we engage in sex is sexy in and of itself, it can even make us better lovers!!

“Consent happens when everyone involved in any kind of sexual activity agree to take part by choice, and also have the freedom and capacity to make that choice and withdraw from it at any time with no maladaptive consequences.”

The quote above was taken from the Sex, Chems, HIV & Consent report commissioned by We Are Survivors and the George House Trust.

When it comes to establishing consent during sex, ‘no’ always means ‘no’. Simply put, we are responsible to make sure everyone involved is happy and willing when we approach sex. It’s important we are clear and check that people we might want to engage with sexually want the same things we do. Consent can be withdrawn at any time during sex so making sure the people we have sex with are willing partners doesn’t stop as soon as sex starts.

Checking in matters and shows that we are attentive and care about the experience of those we have sex with this is also very important in spaces where sex takes place between multiple partners, especially if ‘chems’ are also consumed which may reduce our capacity to consent clearly.

For a clear understanding of consent and the law, please check out these short videos from Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Janet Potter.

Find out what the crown prosecution service tells us about consent and sex by clicking this link.