What is consent?

Consent involves a person having the freedom and capacity to agree to sexual activity.

‘Freedom’ means a person’s ability to say yes or no of their own free will (and this being respected). ‘Capacity’ means a person understanding that they have choices, being able to make and communicate decisions and understanding consequences.

Here are some examples of when consent cannot be given:

• If someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol they may not have the capacity to give their consent
• If someone is being coerced, manipulated, intimidated or threatened into sexual activity then they are not being given the freedom to give consent
• If someone is unconscious or asleep they cannot give their consent.
• Consent isn’t fixed – a person has a right to change their mind at any time. Sexual activity must stop as soon as consent is withdrawn.
• Capacity to consent may also be affected by learning disabilities, mental health problems and head injuries.
• Anyone under the age of 13 cannot legally consent.