It is important to also know what consent is and what is valid consent. 

Yes or No

Consent is the agreement between two individuals to engage in sexual activity. It is extremely important and allows for safety and comfort while being emotionally and physically vulnerable. Consent is necessary no matter what. Consent can be given and taken back, but consent cannot be unsure. Consent is clear and communicated. Consent is a strong, verbal yes. 

Consent IS NOT shaking a head, silence, or saying “okay” or anything other than YES. No one can give consent while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

There is an age of consent, or age that someone can legally give consent, that varies across states. In many areas, the age of consent ranges from 16-18. Anyone below the age of 18 is a minor and cannot give consent. 

You do not have to give consent to anything you do not want to do. Consent cannot be forced or coerced. If you do not decide on your own that you want to do something physical with another person, then that other person does not have your consent to do anything. No one is allowed to touch you in any inappropriate way and especially not without your vocal permission. 

Consent to one thing is also not consent to other things. For example, if you say yes to someone borrowing your pencil, that does not mean you say yes to someone borrowing your eraser. You have to distinctively say yes to both things.