Consent
Consent means agreeing to do something. When we’re talking about sex, consent means that each person has actively agreed to sex or sexual activity and they want to do it.
Consent can be changed and withdrawn at any time. Sexual activity without consent is assault or rape.
You cannot give consent if you’re drunk, asleep, unconscious or don’t know what’s happening. For example, if you're very drunk.
Why consent is important
Consent and asking for consent mean that you can set your boundaries and respect the boundaries of your partner. It’s your responsibility to know if your partner is consenting. Consent for sex is also a legal matter.
In the UK, sexual activity without consent is a crime. Consent in the law is defined as when someone ‘agrees by choice and has the capacity to make that choice’. This means that for consent to be given, the person must be free to make their choice without pressure and have a full understanding of what they are agreeing to.
There is also an age of consent set by law. In the UK, this is 16 years old. In the Republic of Ireland, it is 17 years old. People under the age of consent cannot legally consent to sexual activity. So any sexual activity where 1 or all people are under the age of consent is not legal.
The age of consent laws are in place to protect children and young people, not turn them into criminals. So many other factors are considered alongside age before prosecuting those involved.
Learn more about consent
Getting help
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
If making a sound would put you in danger, call 999 and press 55 to reach the police.
If someone has made you do something you did not want to do, that is never ok and it is not your fault.
You might feel unsure about what happened to you, or not know if it ‘counts’. But any sexual activity that you did not or could not agree to is considered sexual assault and help is available.
Do you need help with something else?
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