TAKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TO HEART
What is Sexual Consent?
TAKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TO HEART
What is Sexual Consent?
This article was co-written with the Marie-Vincent Foundation
Consenting means clearly indicating that you want to engage in or continue a sexual activity. Consent is the foundation of any healthy, respectful relationship. Here’s are some ways to express consent.
You and your partner can express your consent in several ways:
• In words or gestures, explicitly or implicitly
👉 There is consent when the person gives a clear “yes,” when they are enthusiastic
👉 There is no consent when the person:
– Expresses their refusal through words, gestures, or attitude
– Remains silent, is asleep, or does not react
– Is paralyzed by fear
– Is afraid to react or speak
– Has no choice but to do what the other person asks them to do
– Is coerced through the use of physical or psychological force (blackmail, intimidation, manipulation, violence)
•Consent is never final: You can say “yes” and then change your mind any time during the sexual activity. You can also say “yes” to certain activities and “no” to others.
• For consent to be valid, it must not be given under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and neither of the partners should be in a position of power or authority over the other.
From kissing, touching, and having sexual intercourse with or without penetration, sending sexually suggestive photos or messages or any other gesture of a sexual nature, you and your partner must consent and agree to the activity taking place.
If either of you refuses through words or actions, the sexual activity should stop. If you have even the slightest doubt, ask! 😉
Is there consent?
To be valid, consensual sex must involve these four elements: respect; equality between partners; partners of the proper age and with no improper family ties; and expression of consent.
Learn moreHave you experienced sexual abuse? Do you have questions about what happened to you?
Here are some resources to helpNeed to talk to someone about what you’re going through?
Talk to a counsellor at Tel-Jeunes: it’s anonymous, free, and available 24/7
External resource
With Our Partner
The Marie-Vincent Foundation supports children and teens who are victims of violence by offering them the services they need—all in one location. The Foundation helps prevent sexual violence by focusing on education and awareness, and by helping children with problematic sexual behaviours.