You’ve probably heard the word consent, but maybe you aren’t sure exactly what it means. One definition of consent may be when you are asked (and agree) to do something or have something done to you.
Often, consent is talked about in relation to sexual activities. However, there are many places in our lives where consent is needed. Some examples include medical procedures, sharing confidential information, haircuts, care of children, holiday celebrations, and the use of traditional Lands, etc.
Consent must be:
It’s not consent if someone has pressured you, nagged you, or threatened you.
You can always change your mind, even if you’ve already given consent.
Everyone involved needs to have all the relevant information and the ability to understand the information fully.
Saying yes to one thing doesn’t always mean yes to something else.
Consent is needed every time. If you are not sure you have consent, you must ask. Consent may be given by words or by a nonverbal gesture. If unclear, this is not the right time.
Impairment
Sometimes you need more or can’t make a decision right now. For example, when someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, when their decision-making is impaired by a medical condition, or they are sleeping or passed out, they cannot give consent.
Vulnerability – Everyone is vulnerable sometimes.
Sometimes people have power over us, and the relationship is not equal. For example, it is wrong for people in authority to have intimate relationships with their patients or clients, and sometimes it is against the law. If you are under 18, you can’t consent to sexual activity with your teacher, social worker, medical professional, youth worker, landlord, religious leader, or community Elder. If you are over 18, it is still inappropriate for these professionals to engage sexually with you.
You’ve probably heard the word consent, but maybe you aren’t sure exactly what it means. One definition of consent may be when you are asked (and agree) to do something or have something done to you.
Often, consent is talked about in relation to sexual activities. However, there are many places in our lives where consent is needed. Some examples include medical procedures, sharing confidential information, haircuts, care of children, holiday celebrations, and the use of traditional Lands, etc.
Consent must be:
It’s not consent if someone has pressured you, nagged you, or threatened you.
You can always change your mind, even if you’ve already given consent.
Everyone involved needs to have all the relevant information and the ability to understand the information fully.
Saying yes to one thing doesn’t always mean yes to something else.
Consent is needed every time. If you are not sure you have consent, you must ask. Consent may be given by words or by a nonverbal gesture. If unclear, this is not the right time.
Impairment
Sometimes you need more or can’t make a decision right now. For example, when someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, when their decision-making is impaired by a medical condition, or they are sleeping or passed out, they cannot give consent.
Vulnerability – Everyone is vulnerable sometimes.
Sometimes people have power over us, and the relationship is not equal. For example, it is wrong for people in authority to have intimate relationships with their patients or clients, and sometimes it is against the law. If you are under 18, you can’t consent to sexual activity with your teacher, social worker, medical professional, youth worker, landlord, religious leader, or community Elder. If you are over 18, it is still inappropriate for these professionals to engage sexually with you.
