EN 
FR Sexual consent
Author :
Editor Odess-
Author :
Editor Odess-
Sexual consent is a voluntary, mutual agreement before engaging in sexual or intimate activity. It is a clear and explicit communication between the people involved, where they express their consent to participate in sexual activity freely and without pressure.
How to consent to sex?
Consent to sexual contact is a clear and enthusiastic "YES" answer to the question: "Do you want to have sex with me?", "Can I continue?", "Do you like what I am doing?". It's about giving a clear message that what you’re doing is a positive experience.
Remember that it's totally okay to refuse sexual contact. You can say «stop»at any time, and your sexual partner must respect your decision. It doesn't matter if one of you is ready or is about to reach orgasm. If you don't feel comfortable, feel pain or you simply don't want to do this, just stop.
How to recognize consent to sex?
Body language isn’t always clear and we may misinterpret what the other person is trying to tell us. If you have any doubts, just ask about everything and at any time - before and during sex. Consent is the basis of healthy sexual contact. Don't be afraid that it may spoil the atmosphere. You can ask in an informal and gentle way, e.g. by whispering in the ear. Is there anything hotter than a responsible and caring partner? ;)
If someone seems unsure, stays quiet or doesn’t respond, this person doesn’t give you consent to sexual activity.
Remember that silence is not consent. Lack of response is not consent. Flirting is not consent.
It’s important to be sure that our partner is able to consent. There is no question of consent when a person is asleep or unconscious, drunk, under the influence of drugs or under the minimum age of consent to sexual activity.
What sexual activity requires consent?
Consent is necessary for any sexual activity, such as kissing, necking, petting, oral sex, vaginal sex or anal sex, as well as watching or taking erotic photos or videos together, sexting, mutual masturbation and erotic massage.
Engaging in any of these activities without the clear and voluntary consent of all parties involved is considered a form of sexual violence or assault.
Consent to sex is consent to a specific type of activity, e.g. consent to vaginal sex doesn’t mean consent to oral or anal sex. If you want to start something new, you need to consult it again. Sex is supposed to be enjoyable and comfortable for both parties.
Consent to safe sex
Consent to sex includes awareness of risk. In such an intimate situation, sexual partners cannot hide information about their health condition (venereal diseases, HIV) or contraception used. It is unacceptable to deceive your partner by e.g. stealthing - removing the condom just before intercourse (without the partner's knowledge). This is not only fraud, but also sexual violence and lack of concern for the other person.
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Keep in your mind that if you want to have sex with someone, give consent and ask your sexual partner about it. Consent is the most important part of sex. Why? Because without consent it isn’t a sex. It’s a rape or an assault. Listen and be attentive to your partner and you will never cross any boundaries.
