A great way of getting teenagers to recognise the nuances when it comes to consent is to present them with scenarios which they can discuss. It takes a bit of skill to make sure that they walk away after the discussion with the correct messaging, but it’s so important to revisit this again and again, certainly considering statistics when it comes to sexual assault and abuse.
What do we want them to walk away knowing?
-consent is not just a yes or no
-it’s enthusiastic
-pay attention to words AND body language
-the person needs to know what they are consenting to
-they can change their mind or retract something at any time
-just because they are consenting to one thing does not mean they are consenting to another
-respect each other and treat others how you would like to be treated
What do you think of the following scenarios from @brook_sexpositive?
*Sam and Chris have been married for 9 years and have sex every night before they fall asleep. It’s very routine and they never talk about it. Sex is over as soon as Chris comes and Sam never has an orgasm. Sam would rather read but decided having sex is worth it, as it makes the relationship smoother.
❓DO YOU THINK SAM IS GIVING CONSENT❓
*Kirsty meets Pete in a club and after kissing, goes back to his. He fingers her in the taxi but when they are back at his house, she tells him she’s changed her mind and doesn’t want to have sex now. He tells her that she’s a “tease” and could at least give him a blowjob. She feels really guilty, so does it.
❓DO YOU THINK KIRSTY IS GIVING CONSENT❓
*Taylor and Alex have been together for 12 months.They have an active sex life but one night, Taylor asks Alex to stop because it hurts. Alex is just about to come, so carries on for about another 20 seconds. He comes then stops.
❓DO YOU THINK TAYLOR IS GIVING CONSENT❓