Let's Talk: Consent

Sexual consent you think may be common sense right? 'You should know you have the right to say no if you don't want to something'. Who wouldn't know that automatically?

I didn't.

I would say my personality is out going for the most part. But growing up, I had the tendency to avoid confrontation by not speaking up in situations I didn't necessarily feel comfortable. Not in every situation, but just in some I may have felt an obligation. Even in my sexual life. I was someone that lost her virginity at what you may consider a more mature age but still very ignorant to the world of sex. Many young women have experienced a time where they felt an obligation, or their voice was not being heard.

It's important for everyone to know their rights and protect their surroundings. Although, sometimes trouble comes finding us.

Sexual Consent is being in agreement to participate in a sexual activity. It is not right for a partner to just assume that you want anything sexual to happen without your consent. If at any moment you have a "partner" or someone that you are being intimate with that do and/or ask something your not comfortable with, you have the right to say no and they should fully respect your decision. It is important to speak up at any moment you do not feel comfortable or do not want to do something. Definitely follow up with good communication. If this is a significant other, you want to communicate how you are feeling to ensure your partner understands and this helps avoid confusion and distrust.

Any sexual activity that happens without your consent or without your permission is RAPE. Our society today has gotten better with the acceptance that many people are capable of doing something so terrible such as rape. But it happens way more often then we think. It's important to stand your ground and try to protect yourself as much as can. Speak up to someone you trust if something happens. You want to vocalize what has happened to you so it wont happen again to you or someone else.

National Sexual Assult Hotline: Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)

They are providing these free services listed below:

• Confidential support from a trained staff member

• Support finding a local health facility that is trained to care for survivors of sexual assault and offers services like sexual assault forensic exams

• Someone to help you talk through what happened

• Local resources that can assist with your next steps toward healing and recovery

• Referrals for long term support in your area

• Information about the laws in your community

• Basic information about medical concerns

You are not alone.