Healthy relationships are consensual relationships. In sexual relationships, consent means that both people have agreed to take part.

It is always up to you whether or not you give consent, and it is your right not to give consent for any reason - the choice is always yours. If you have had sex with someone before, you do not have to have sex again. If you are in a relationship or married, you too have a right to not give consent. You can also withdraw consent during sex if you change your mind, or if you agreed to sex beforehand and then changed your mind. If any person forces another to engage in sexual activity, the person that is forcing is committing sexual assault or rape, which is illegal. The consequences could be imprisonment. Consent is required regardless of your gender, your partner's gender, and your sexual orientation.

A person cannot give consent if they are asleep or unconscious, are threatened or forced to have sex, or are drunk or high. Also, the age of consent in the UK is 16. This means that by law anyone under the age of 16 are automatically unable to consent to sex or sexual contact.

If someone forces you to have sex or do something of a sexual nature, including kissing or touching, it is important to speak to someone you trust. Support and advice is available from Report and Support and Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.