5.6 Consent and Respecting Boundaries

Notes

Boundaries are personal limits about your body, space, belongings and feelings. Consent means a clear, freely given "yes." It is a way of respecting another person's boundaries.

• Consent must be voluntary: no pressure, threats, guilt or tricks.
• Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and a "yes" earlier does not mean "yes" later.
• Silence, being unsure, or not saying no is not consent.
• A person who is asleep, drunk or high cannot give consent.
• Respecting consent applies to hugs, borrowing items, sharing photos or messages and touching.
• Sharing private photos of someone without permission violates their boundaries and can be illegal.
• You have the right to say no to any unwanted touch, even from someone you know. If a boundary is crossed, it is not your fault. Tell a trusted adult.