Consent

What is Consent?

• Consent means to give your permission by saying “yes.”
• Consent is based on choice.
• Consent is active, not passive.
• Consent is possible only when there is equal power.
• Giving in because of fear is not consent.
• Deception or manipulation eliminates the possibility of consent.
• If you can’t say “no” comfortably then “yes” has no meaning.
• If you are unwilling to accept “no” then “yes” has no meaning.
• Giggling, changing the subject, or squirming away does not communicate a “yes” or a “no”.
• To give your permission you must be able to say “yes” or “no” without pressure.
• If someone gets you to do something through lying, you did not give consent because that person tricked you.

(Author Unknown)

Guidelines for Consent in Intimate Relationships by Alan Berkowitz, Ph.D.