What is Consent?
The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), defines consent as “an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity.”
Consent is about communicating openly during sexual activity – verbally through words like “yes” or “I’m open to trying that,” or non-verbally through cues such as the nodding of the head.
It is important that both parties are comfortable with any sexual activity they are going to engage in, because one party can agree to one activity but not to another. It is also good to check in with your partner to gauge his/her level of consent, especially if the sexual activity changes. You can do this by asking a question such as: “Is this ok?” The key is to remember to communicate through the entire process.
On the other hand, a person may not verbally say the word ”no,” but their non-verbal communication may demonstrate that they do not want to engage in sexual activity or have decided not to continue with more sexual activity. When you see this kind of action, you need to stop immediately. The best lesson any person who is sexually active can learn is that consent does not have to be verbal. This is why it is important to pay attention to your partner’s verbal and non-verbal communication before engaging in sexual interaction and during contact.
Consent should be freely given, never forced. It can also be withdrawn at any point during the sexual encounter. Consent should never be assumed. Always take the time to clarify what your partner feels about a situation or activity before moving forward. Take into account as well that a minor or incapacitated person cannot give consent.
Remember, if the person you are intimate with says, “no, stop,” do not try to convince the person to continue. Doing so is called sexual coercion, which is a crime.
The Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital provides emotional and medical support – in a completely confidential setting – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To speak to someone at the 24-hour helpline, call 305-585-7273 or visit https://jacksonhealth.org/services-rape-treatment.
Franchine Daley is the Program Manager at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center. She spent her career in the social services sector working with homeless individuals, foster youth, to sexual assault survivors. Helping those in need is her passion. Franchine can be contacted at [email protected].