Consent Conversations

Consent – it's a term we often hear, but what does it really mean, especially in a world of social media, online spaces, and situationships? It's not always as straightforward as a simple "yes" or "no."

We've all heard that consent is like a cup of tea, but real life is rarely that clear-cut.

• How do you know if someone consents if no words are spoken?
• How do you know a yes means yes and isn't because someone feels pressured?
• What if you want to change your mind and withdraw your consent?

The answers to these questions are never black and white and we want you to discuss the areas that are unclear. Whether it's over a walk, over the phone or even over a cup of tea, talk about consent and what it means to you.

A recent survey of 18-24-year-olds commissioned by the CPS found that:

• Only 53% recognised that it can still be rape if a victim doesn't resist or fight back
• Only 42% recognised that being in a relationship or marriage does not mean consent to sex can be assumed (compared to 87% of those aged 65 and above)
• Only 46% recognised that if a man has been drinking or taking drugs, he is still responsible if he rapes someone
• Only 28% recognised that if a person says online they want to meet up and have sex, that doesn't mean they have to have sex when they meet (compared to 54% of people overall)

We teamed up with Georgia Harrison to speak to young people at this year's Reading Festival to talk about consent and to challenge some of these misconceptions.