Consent, explained
Consent is a clear, freely given yes, every time, for each activity. Anyone can change their mind at any point. Silence, past yeses, clothing and flirting are not consent.
What to know
- Ask. A simple "Is this okay?" before moving forward (RAINN).
- Listen to words and body language. Respect a no, even a quiet or indirect one (RAINN).
- Check in as things progress. Yes to one thing isn't yes to everything (RAINN).
- Stop the moment someone pulls away, freezes, goes quiet or says stop. Consent can be withdrawn at any time (RAINN).
Watch out. Someone who is asleep, intoxicated, underage or pressured into saying yes can't consent (RAINN).
Good to know
Silence isn't yes
Consent is never implied by clothing, flirting or past encounters. Silence or not resisting is not consent (RAINN).
Pressure cancels it
A yes that comes from guilt, fear or intimidation isn't consent (RAINN).
If something happened
RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline is 800-656-HOPE (4673), or text HOPE to 64673 (RAINN).
Sources
- RAINN Consent 101
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About intimate partner violence
Lesson R3.1 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed. See a mistake?
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