Consent is an agreement between individuals prior to any sexual activity that clearly communicates which activities each person is comfortable engaging in. Consent can be withdrawn by either individual at any point in time.
There should be actual words or conduct that indicate freely given agreement for sexual activities. Some important points to consider are:
- Body language can be misinterpreted, so always talk prior to action!
- "Freely" given consent means that there was no manipulation or coercion compelling an individual to say "YES" when they may want to say "NO."
- Someone who is drunk, drugged, or incapacitated cannot legally give consent.
- Consent is the presence of a "YES," not the absence of a "NO." Thus, if a person does not object or fight back, this is not an indication of consent.