Whenever you have sex, you need to make sure that your partner is just as enthusiastic about having sex. In other words, that they give their full consent.
It’s important that you are 100 percent sure that the person you’re with is happy and willing because non-consensual sexual activity (even kissing and touching) is against the law.
Not only is sex without consent a crime, but being pressured or forced into a sexual situation you’re not ready for (also known as rape and sexual assault) can do lasting emotional damage. It’s not enough to just assume someone wants sex as much as you, you really have to ask. Get more information on the Reach Out website.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, see our Respectful Relationships page for how to get help.
