What consent means
Consent is an agreement between people about what they are happy to take part in. It works best when it is clear, mutual and checked as things go along.
The parts people usually mean by consent
- Freely given — chosen without pressure, threats, manipulation or fear of consequences.
- Specific — agreeing to one activity is not agreeing to another.
- Informed — based on an accurate picture of what is being suggested.
- Ongoing — it applies now, not automatically later.
- Changeable — it can be paused, changed or withdrawn at any point.
- Dependent on capacity — a person needs to be able to understand and make the decision.
Previous consent is not present consent
Something that happened before, however recently, does not carry forward on its own.
Being in a relationship, being married, dating, flirting, or having agreed on a previous occasion does not create consent for now.
Silence and uncertainty
Silence, hesitation, freezing or going along with something is not the same as agreement.
If someone seems unsure, the useful next step is to slow down and ask, rather than assume.
Where CSent fits
CSent can help two people say what they are and are not happy with, and keep a record of the choices they each made in the app.
It does not replace talking and paying attention to each other in the moment, and it does not decide whether consent legally existed.
This article is general educational information, not legal advice. Where a legal interpretation matters, speak to a qualified professional.
Consent, honesty & the law
Consent can change at any time. Being honest about what happened matters too. CSent does not presume anyone's guilt or innocence.