Safety and Consent
key points of safety and consent -
What does it look like? WHy?
WHat is COnsent?
Consent means everyone clearly says “yes” and feels good about what’s happening.
Providing consent for things (hugs, touch, healthcare and more) is expected and part of respecting other individuals’ bodies.
It should never be pressured, forced, or assumed. It’s okay to say no without guilt or shame.
You can change your mind and take back consent anytime.
Just being silent or “not saying no” doesn’t count as consent.
Consent is important in all types of relationships. It goes beyond sex and is important for all identities, races, ethnicities, and more.
Peer Pressure & Coercion
Peer pressure happens when someone tries to get you to do something you might not want to do, just because you want to fit in, or because they’re important to you.
Coercion is stronger: it’s when someone uses pressure, threats, guilt, or manipulation to force you into something, even if you don’t want to.
You might feel extra pressure to act, dress, or express yourself in certain ways to be accepted by peers or online communities.
Fear of being rejected, misgendered, or losing friends or online standing can make it harder to say “no.”
Asking and pausing for consent is important and should be expected - Don’t worry about ruining the mood.
What is not okay?
Assault includes any unwanted touch or touch without consent. Sexual assault is when any sexual activity happens without consent.
It’s never your fault if someone hurts you or crosses your boundaries.
You always have the right to say no, no matter who it is or what the situation is.
You can choose whether or not to report; help and healing are still available either way.
Giving & Receiving Consent
How to Allow Someone to Say “No”
Ask in ways that make it clear “no” is always okay.
Accept their answer without guilt trips or arguments.
Mind your tone—don’t beg, push, or act upset if they say no.
Give them time to respond; don’t rush or pressure.
How to Actively Get Consent
Ask directly: “Do you want to…?” or “Are you comfortable with this?”
Look for a clear “yes” that feels excited, not unsure.
Keep checking in—consent isn’t one-time, it’s ongoing.
Respect body language: hesitation, pulling away, or silence means stop and check in.
Silence Does NOT Mean Acceptance
Don’t assume “quiet” means “yes.”
If they don’t answer right away, pause and ask again.
Try softer check-ins: “You seem unsure—do you want to stop?”
Make it easy to change their mind: “We can always stop if you want.”
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Know it’s okay to say no. You don’t owe anyone your body, photos, or secrets.
Practice what to say in advance—like “I’m not comfortable with that,” or “Let’s change the subject,” or “No thanks.”
Check in with yourself: do you feel pressured, scared, or unsure? That’s a sign something’s not right.
Use privacy settings, block, mute, or unfollow people who pressure or harass you.
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Keep your personal info and location private online.
Think before sending pictures or messages; you can’t always control where they end up.
Watch out for fake accounts or people pretending to be someone else.
Use privacy settings and don’t be afraid to block or report someone who makes you uncomfortable.
If something feels off, trust your gut and reach out to someone you trust.
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A healthy relationship feels safe, supportive, and respectful.
Your partner should listen when you set boundaries and respect who you are.
You can disagree without threats, guilt trips, or control.
Decisions—big or small—should be made together, not forced.
In a good relationship, you feel valued and free to be your real self.
The Trevor Project
24/7 text, chat, or phone for LGBTQ+ youth:
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
National Sexual Assault Hotline by RAINN
1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org
Chat option available in English and Spanish
Crisis Text Line
Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a counselor