How Much Do You Know About Consent?
How Much Do You Know About Consent?
Public awareness efforts regularly reinforce that all partners need to get consent before sexual activity, but what does that really mean? Understanding consent is key to promoting healthy and respectful relationships, changing the culture around sexual violence, and ending sexual assault. This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, test your knowledge of what it means to ask for and give consent with this Joyful Heart quiz.
Let’s start with the basics. What is consent?
An agreement between people to engage in sexual activity.
A verbal contract outlining exactly what sexual activities will take place.
A conversation between partners about sexual preferences and desires.
When should you ask for consent?
The first time you have sex.
Every time you have sex.
The first time you have sex with someone new.
Which of the following answers indicates giving consent?
“Yes, I want to.”
“I’m not sure.”
“I guess if you really want to.”
How can you tell whether someone will consent to sex?
If they are dressed provocatively.
If you have had sex with them before.
If they specifically agree to sex at the time you ask them.
How about a lightning round? For each question, check whether the example mentioned is an indicator of consent. Ready?
Your partner wears an outfit on a date that they know you love.
Yes, that’s giving consent.
No, that’s not giving consent.
Your partner gets really drunk before consenting to sex.
Yes, that’s giving consent.
No, that’s not giving consent.
Your partner is silent when you ask about having sex, but they have consented to sex before.
Yes, that’s giving consent.
No, that’s not giving consent.
Your partner is asleep now, but earlier they said they would consent.
Yes, that’s giving consent.
No, that’s not giving consent.
You’re in the middle of consensual sexual activity and your partner tells you to stop.
Yes, you have their consent to continue.
No, you don’t have their consent to continue.
Final question: When are you obligated to say “yes” when someone asks for your consent to have sex?
If you and your partner are in love.
If you’ve already said no several times.
Never.