What is consent?
A clear, free 'yes' — every time.
- Consent is a freely given, clear agreement to a specific act.
- It can be withdrawn at any time — 'yes' before doesn't mean 'yes' now.
- It can't be given under pressure, threat, or while unable to (e.g. drunk, asleep).
- No answer, or silence, is not consent.
Consent in practice
Checking in is respectful, not awkward.
- Ask, and listen to the answer — words and body language.
- 'Maybe', hesitation, or going quiet means stop and check.
- Respecting a 'no' is never negotiable.
- Consent applies in every relationship, including marriage.
Healthy vs. unhealthy relationships
Know the signs, in yourself and others.
| Healthy | Unhealthy |
|---|
| Respect and equality | Control or belittling |
| Open, honest communication | Lies, or fear of speaking up |
| Both partners' choices matter | One person decides everything |
| Feeling safe | Fear, threats, or violence |
| Support for your goals | Isolation from friends/family |
Everyone deserves a relationship based on respect and safety. Violence is never acceptable.
Key terms
- Consent: A freely given, clear 'yes' to a specific act, which can be withdrawn anytime.
- Coercion: Pressure, threats, or manipulation to make someone act against their will.
- Boundary: A limit you set on what you're comfortable with.
- Gender-based violence: Harm targeting someone because of their gender; never acceptable.
- Respect: Valuing another's feelings, choices, and dignity.
- Bodily autonomy: Your right to make decisions about your own body.
Communicating boundaries
You have the right to say what you want — and don't.
- Naming your limits clearly is your right, not rudeness.
- 'I'm not comfortable with that' is a complete answer.
- A respectful partner accepts your boundaries.
- You can change your mind at any time.
Consent: myth or reality?
Tap each statement about consent.
- Silence or no response counts as consent (Myth) — Only a clear, free 'yes' is consent. Silence is not agreement.
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time (Reality) — A 'yes' earlier doesn't bind you — you can stop anytime.
- Being in a relationship or marriage means automatic consent (Myth) — Consent is needed every time, in every relationship, including marriage.
- Someone who is drunk or asleep cannot give consent (Reality) — Consent requires being able to freely agree — which they cannot.
Your sexual and reproductive rights
Rights that belong to everyone.
- To make free decisions about your body and relationships.
- To say no to sex, and to be free from violence and coercion.
- To access information, contraception, and care.
- To privacy, dignity, and respect — regardless of who you are.
Recognizing and responding to violence
Violence is never your fault, and help exists.
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse is never acceptable.
- Forced sex is a crime, even within a relationship or marriage.
- It's never the survivor's fault.
- Confidential help exists — health workers, hotlines, support services.
True. Consent must be freely given, specific, and can be withdrawn at any time. Anything given under pressure, or that can't be freely refused, is not real consent.
Healthy or unhealthy relationship sign?
Tap each, then whether it's healthy or unhealthy.
- Respect for each other's choices (Healthy sign)
- Open, honest communication (Healthy sign)
- Feeling safe together (Healthy sign)
- Controlling who you see or talk to (Unhealthy sign)
- Threats, fear, or violence (Unhealthy sign)
- Pressuring you into sex (Unhealthy sign)
Building respectful relationships
Habits that keep relationships healthy.
- Communicate openly and listen to each other.
- Ask for and respect consent, every time.
- Support each other's goals and friendships.
- Address conflict without threats or violence.
When to seek help
Reach out — confidentially and without blame.
- You feel afraid, controlled, or unsafe with a partner.
- You've been pressured or forced into sex.
- A friend or family member is in danger.
- You need someone to talk to — support is confidential.
Recap & what's next
- Consent is a free, clear 'yes' — withdrawable anytime.
- Healthy relationships are built on respect, safety, and choice.
- You have rights, and violence is never acceptable or your fault.
- Next: HIV — prevention, testing, and living well.
