Can you say no to sex once you've started?

When involved in sexual activities everyone needs to consent to what is happening. Giving consent means that everyone involved can clearly and freely agree to the sexual activities that are happening.

Consent must be:

  • Freely Given: Consent should be given without coercion, pressure or manipulation and must be voluntary by all parties involved 

  • Informed: All parties should have a clear understanding of what they are consenting to, including any potential risks

  • Reversible: Consent can be withdrawn at any time even if the activity has already begun. Each participant has the right to change their mind.

  • Enthusiastic: Meaning all parties are actively and willingly participating in the decision to engage in sexual activity.

  • Specific: Agreeing to one type of sexual activity does not imply consent for all activities. Each actions requires its own consent.

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Can you say no to sex once you've started?
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You always have a right to say no to sex, even if you have already started to have sex with someone.

Your partner should respect you and stop if you ask them to. If they don’t, then it is called sexual assault and is against the law

Consent cannot be given when someone is:

  • drunk or under the influence of drugs
  • asleep
  • unconscious
  • not mentally capable of understanding what is going on
  • feeling pressured, forced or threatened
  • under the age of 16 (in WA).

If you have been sexually assaulted, tell a parent, teacher, counsellor, school nurse or other trusted adult. You can also contact the Sexual Assault Resource Centre on (08) 9340 1828 or free call on 1800 199 888.