Boy meets girl, likes her and asks her on a date. Girl considers boy, realizes she likes him and says “Yes”. That is consent.
Boy and girl go on a date. They enjoyed each other’s company. Boy asks to see her again. She says ‘Yes’. That is consent.
Girl visits boy in his house. They get physical and boy starts kissing girl and girl responds positively. She gave her consent.
Girl enjoys the kiss for a moment and then realizes, I should not do this and asks boy to stop= She has withdrawn her consent, so respect it.
Consent is the voluntary agreement to engage in any form of sexual activity, without any coercion, cajoling, abuse of power or threat .
For the avoidance of doubt, ongoing consent should be sought at all levels of sexual intimacy, irrespective of the parties’ sexual relationship or history, or current activity(in the case of a girl saying Stop in the middle of a kiss), or a date or another physical activity.
At any point where any party fails to honor consent, it becomes a case of sexual abuse.
At every juncture consent must be sort, because the guy might want to try something the girl does not want, and she is free to say No. Once she says “No” consent has being withdrawn.
On the other hand the girl may want to try something that the guy does not want and the guy is also free to say No.
Guys, No does not mean continue. It is more romantic to clarify with her before proceeding to the next level.
Statistics have shown that children under the legal age indulge in sexual relationship, either willingly or forced. However within the ambits of the law, it is sexual abuse to have any form of sexual relationship with a minor because they can’t take responsibility for their actions. So, that 17 and half year old girl or boy that you are having sexual relationship with, is endangered and needs to be set free from sexual abuse.
Remember that language can be verbal or non verbal, so it’s important to look out for all forms of communication before you engage in sexual relationship with anyone.
As we mark this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention month, join us to spread the word about “Consent and Creating Boundaries”.
We will have different articles to help you understand consent and all that is at the core of Consent.
Consent cannot be faked . Shine your eyes well! Respect the choice!
Have you misunderstood consent before? What are the issues you have with consent? Let’s hear you on any of our social media handles.
