The following text and definitions come from Safe Campuses BC:
Consent is an agreement to engage in an activity; it occurs when you ask, or give, permission to do something.
People use consent in their daily life, including giving and asking for consent for food or drink, physical touch, to take a picture, or to participate in an activity. In the context of sexual activities, consent refers to giving voluntary permission to engage in a sexual activity.
Consent:
- Is a freely given enthusiastic yes.
- Is ongoing, continuously discussed.
- Can be taken away at any time.
Consent is an agreement to engage in an activity; it occurs when you ask, or give, permission to do something.
Consent must be asked for and given at each stage of a sexual interaction and/or when there is a shift from one sexual activity to another (e.g., persons move from hugging to – {get/give consent} – kissing). Consent must be given voluntarily. Even if a person has consented to sexual activity in the past, consent must be asked for each time.
There is no voluntary consent when:
- You are asked repeatedly until you give someone the answer they want to hear.
- Someone uses their power or authority to manipulate your answer.
- When you are intoxicated or incapacitated.
To learn more about consent, please view the following videos: