Ensuring young people have access to sex education that includes discussion of consent and healthy relationships can help prevent sexual violence.
As the nation’s largest provider of sex education, Planned Parenthood helps people communicate about sex respectfully and confidently, make the best decisions for their lives, and engage in healthy relationships — educating 1.2 million people of all ages in schools and communities across the country.
Consent is an essential part of having safe, fun, and healthy sex and relationships. Planned Parenthood defines consent as the following:
Freely given.
Consenting is a choice you make without pressure, manipulation, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Reversible.
Anyone can change their mind about what they feel like doing, anytime. Even if you’ve done it before, and even if you’re both naked in bed.
Informed.
You can only consent to something if you have all of the information you need. For example, if someone says they’ll use a condom and then they don’t, there isn’t full consent.
Enthusiastic.
When it comes to sex, you should only do what you WANT to do, not things that you feel you’re expected to do.
Specific.
Saying yes to one thing doesn’t mean you’ve said yes to other things. For example, consenting to going to the bedroom to make out does not mean you’ve consented to have sex.
Consent education should start well before young people enter college, and well before they become sexually active.
Planned Parenthood also understands that while some people find catharsis and empowerment through sharing their experiences with sexual violence, others choose not to share their experiences for a variety of reasons. Both are valid choices.
We respect and support survivors’ decisions about whether or not to report their assault, and offer referrals for resources on sexual assault, including counseling and support groups. Planned Parenthood staff screen for abuse, provide referrals in a safe setting, and are committed to their roles as caring and trusted health care providers.
To make an appointment with Planned Parenthood, go to planned.org or call us at 1-888-743-PLAN.
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