Sexual consent

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Sexual consent is a mutual agreement between two or more individuals to engage in sexual activity. It is an essential aspect of a healthy sexual relationship and is a fundamental human right. Consent must be freely given, informed, and can be withdrawn at any time.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Sexual consent is defined as the voluntary agreement by a person in the capacity to make a choice to engage in a sexual activity. Consent can be communicated both verbally and nonverbally, and it must be clear and unambiguous. It is important to note that consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and past consent does not imply future consent.

Legal aspects[edit | edit source]

In many jurisdictions, the legal definition of sexual consent is often tied to the age of consent, which is the minimum age at which an individual is considered legally old enough to consent to participation in sexual activity. The age of consent varies widely globally, from 13 to 21 years of age. In some jurisdictions, the concept of affirmative consent is used, which requires explicit, informed, and voluntary agreement to participate in sexual activity.

Importance[edit | edit source]

The importance of sexual consent lies in the respect for individual autonomy, personal boundaries, and mutual respect in sexual relationships. It is a critical aspect of sexual ethics and is considered a basic human right. Lack of consent in sexual activities can lead to serious consequences, including sexual assault and rape.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Sexual consent Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD