Sexual Assault
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Trust and sex
Having a good relationship doesn't mean you have to have sex. But whatever you do, whether it's kissing, touching or having sex, it should always be something that you both want to do.
Sex is meant to be:
- something you decide to do when you're ready to
- something that makes you both feel good
- something you can interrupt or stop at any time
- safe (because you're both prepared with condoms to protect you from sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy)
Sex isn't meant to be:
- the only way to prove that you love someone
- something you feel pressured or forced into
- something you do because 'everyone else is doing it'
- something that makes you feel used.
Remember, if you've been kissing or touching but don't want to go any further, that's ok. Kissing is not a contract.
Trust and communication
The most important thing in a sexual relationship is that you trust the other person and you feel like you can communicate with them.
If you are considering a sexual relationship, or if you are in a sexual relationship, ask yourself:
- How much do I trust this person to respect what I do and don't want to do?
- How comfortable would I feel talking with them about safe sex and contraception?
- How comfortable would I feel saying no to them?
Someone who loves you should respect your right to decide if and when to have sex.
If you don't feel ready to have sex, you could say "I really like you but I don't feel ready to have sex yet".
