Search

What is consent?

When is consent granted?

Not everyone understands when consent can and cannot be given.  Here are some examples where consent is not granted:

• The individual does not say a clear "yes".  The only thing that means "yes" is "yes".  Everything else is a "no".
• the individual is not physically resisting by fighting back, but is not actively engaging, either.    Passive compliance is not consent.
• The individual is intoxicated and is not aware of what is going on around them.  if someone does not know their surroundings, they cannot consent.
• The individual is passed out, unresponsive, or asleep.
• The individual would not agree to sexual activity if they were sober
• If the person is underage, they cannot consent to sexual activity.  The age of consent in Canada is 16.  Visit the Department of Justice for more information on age and consent.
• The individual has had consent granted for them on behalf of a third party.
• You and your intimate partner may have engaged in sexual activity in the past however they do not want to engage in sexual activity at that time.  Past agreement to consent does not mean consent to all future activity.
• You are not 100% sure that someone has agreed to sexual activity.  The best thing to do is to make sure.  If you have any doubt, just ask again!

Any individual has the right to say "no!" to sexual activity at any time whether that be before the sexual activity happens or after it has begun.  It is important to remember that a sexual assault is never the fault of the person who has been assaulted.

If we all pay attention to our partners and communicate, we can create healthy intimate relationships for everyone.  Remember...consent is sexy!