Consent and Age of Consent
A
Affirmative Consent
Affirmative consent refers to a clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement between participants in a sexual activity, where all parties have explicitly communicated their willingness to engage in each other's company and specific actions. It involves an active and voluntary exchange of "yes" or equivalent signals, rather than relying on assumptions or silence as consent.
Age of Majority
The age of majority is the legal threshold at which an individual is considered an adult, capable of making their own decisions and entering into contracts. In the context of sexual health and relationships, reaching the age of majority often coincides with the legal age of consent for sexual activity, though these ages can vary by jurisdiction.
B
Bodily Autonomy
Bodily autonomy refers to the right of an individual to have control over their own body, without external influence or coercion. In the context of sexual health and rights, it encompasses the freedom to make decisions about one's own body, including choices related to sexual activity, reproduction, and medical treatments. This concept is fundamental to human rights and personal dignity.
Boundaries
Boundaries are personal limits or rules that individuals set for themselves in relationships, including sexual ones. These limits define what a person is comfortable with, what they're willing to do, and what they consider off-limits. Boundaries can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy, consensual sexual relationships.
C
Capacity to Consent
Capacity to consent refers to an individual's ability to understand, make, and communicate a voluntary decision about participating in sexual activity. It encompasses both the legal and cognitive aspects of giving consent. This concept is crucial in determining whether sexual activity is consensual and legal.
Coercion
Coercion in a sexual context refers to the act of persuading or forcing someone to engage in sexual activities against their will through the use of pressure, threats, manipulation, or force. It involves overriding a person's right to make their own decisions about sexual activity and violates the principle of consent. Coercion can take many forms, from subtle emotional manipulation to outright physical threats.
Consent Withdrawal
Consent withdrawal refers to the act of revoking or rescinding previously given sexual consent. It's the right of any individual to change their mind about engaging in sexual activity at any point, even if they initially agreed to it. Consent withdrawal can happen before or during sexual activity and should be respected immediately by all parties involved.
Consent
Consent is the freely given agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is an essential concept in sexual interactions that involves clearly communicating intentions, desires, and boundaries. Consent should be affirmative, ongoing, and can be revoked at any time. All parties must have the capacity to consent, which means being of legal age, mentally capable, and not incapacitated by substances or coercion.
E
Enthusiastic Consent
Enthusiastic consent is a model of sexual consent that goes beyond mere agreement or acceptance of sexual activity. It emphasizes that consent should be given freely, enthusiastically, and with clear positive engagement from all parties involved. This concept promotes the idea that sexual interactions should be mutually desired and actively affirmed, rather than just passively accepted or not explicitly refused.
Enthusiastic Participation
Enthusiastic participation refers to a concept in sexual consent where all parties involved not only agree to engage in sexual activity but do so with genuine excitement, desire, and willingness. It goes beyond mere verbal agreement or passive acceptance, emphasizing that true consent involves active, positive engagement from all participants.
R
Reproductive Coercion
Reproductive coercion refers to behaviors that interfere with a person's reproductive autonomy. It involves actions aimed at controlling someone's reproductive choices, often without their knowledge or against their will. This can include sabotaging birth control methods, pressuring someone to become pregnant or to terminate a pregnancy, or using threats or manipulation to influence reproductive decisions.
Romeo and Juliet Laws
Romeo and Juliet laws are legal provisions designed to protect young people in consensual sexual relationships from being prosecuted for statutory rape when both partners are close in age. These laws typically apply when one partner is below the age of consent but the age difference between the partners is small, usually between 2-5 years.
S
Sexual Agency
Sexual agency refers to an individual's capacity to make informed and autonomous decisions about their own sexual activity, preferences, and boundaries. It encompasses the ability to express one's sexuality freely, give or withhold consent, and navigate sexual experiences in a way that aligns with personal values and desires. Sexual agency is a crucial aspect of sexual health and overall well-being.
Sexual Autonomy
Sexual autonomy refers to an individual's right and ability to make informed, uncoerced decisions about their own sexual activity and reproductive choices. It encompasses the freedom to choose when, how, and with whom to engage in sexual activities, as well as the right to refuse unwanted sexual advances or practices. Sexual autonomy is a fundamental aspect of human rights and personal dignity.
Sexual Boundaries
Sexual boundaries are personal limits and preferences that individuals set regarding their sexual activities, interactions, and experiences. These boundaries define what a person is comfortable with, what they're willing to do, and what they consider off-limits in sexual situations. Establishing and respecting sexual boundaries is crucial for maintaining consent, ensuring safety, and promoting positive sexual experiences.
Sexual Coercion
Sexual coercion refers to the act of using pressure, manipulation, or force to make someone engage in unwanted sexual activity. This can include persistent verbal pressure, emotional manipulation, blackmail, threats, or the use of drugs or alcohol to impair a person's judgment. Sexual coercion exists on a spectrum from subtle emotional pressure to outright physical force.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It can occur in various settings, including the workplace, educational institutions, and public spaces. Sexual harassment creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment and can have significant psychological and emotional impacts on the victim.
Sexual Self-Determination
Sexual self-determination refers to an individual's right to make autonomous decisions about their own sexual behavior, identity, and experiences. This concept encompasses the freedom to choose sexual partners, engage in consensual sexual activities, and express one's sexuality without undue external influence or coercion. It also includes the right to refuse sexual advances or activities.
Sexual Trauma
Sexual trauma refers to psychological distress resulting from a sexual experience that was unwanted, abusive, or violent. It can occur from a single incident or prolonged exposure to sexual abuse or assault. Sexual trauma can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Statutory Rape
Statutory rape refers to sexual activity with a person who is below the legal age of consent, even if they verbally agreed to the act. It's based on the principle that individuals below a certain age are not legally capable of giving informed consent to sexual activities. The specific age of consent varies by jurisdiction but is typically between 16 and 18 years old.