Public awareness efforts regularly reinforce that all partners need to get consent before sexual activity, but what does that really mean? Understanding consent is key to promoting healthy and respectful relationships, changing the culture around sexual violence, and ending sexual assault. This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, test your knowledge of what it means to ask for and give consent with this Joyful Heart quiz.

Let’s start with the basics. What is consent?

An agreement between people to engage in sexual activity.

A verbal contract outlining exactly what sexual activities will take place.

A conversation between partners about sexual preferences and desires.

Correct! Consent can be verbal or nonverbal, and it should be clear, enthusiastic, and given freely without coercion. In order to give consent, a person must be aware that they are giving consent and not be impaired by drugs or alcohol. In addition, every state sets the age at which they can fully consent to sex.

Close, but not quite. Try again!

When should you ask for consent?

The first time you have sex.

Every time you have sex.

The first time you have sex with someone new.

Correct! Consent is a type of active communication between people, and it can be withdrawn at any time. You should ask for consent each time you engage in sexual activity with someone and throughout the process—even if you have had sex before.

You should ask for consent in this case, however, this isn’t the answer we are looking for in this quiz. Give it another try.

Which of the following answers indicates giving consent?

“Yes, I want to.”

“I’m not sure.”

“I guess if you really want to.”

Correct! Only an affirmative “yes” means consent. The other answers listed here show that a person may be uncertain about having sex, or that they may feel coerced or forced into participating.

Nope. This doesn’t sound very enthusiastic, does it?

How can you tell whether someone will consent to sex?

If they are dressed provocatively.

If you have had sex with them before.

If they specifically agree to sex at the time you ask them.

Correct! Do not make assumptions about whether a person will consent to sex based on how they look, their sexual history, or your relationship. You need to get consent every time.

Incorrect. Try again.

How about a lightning round? For each question, check whether the example mentioned is an indicator of consent. Ready?

Your partner wears an outfit on a date that they know you love.

Yes, that’s giving consent.

No, that’s not giving consent.

Try again. Clothes don’t give consent; people do.

Correct! Only an affirmative “yes” gives consent. Never make assumptions about a person’s sexual desires based on what they are wearing.

Your partner gets really drunk before consenting to sex.

Yes, that’s giving consent.

No, that’s not giving consent.

Sorry, that’s not right. Remember that consent must be given freely and without outside influence.

Correct! A person who is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol cannot consent to sex.

Your partner is silent when you ask about having sex, but they have consented to sex before.

Yes, that’s giving consent.

No, that’s not giving consent.

Correct! You must get consent every time you engage in sexual activity, even if it’s with the same partner or if you’ve had sex before.

Nope. Giving consent once is not a universal green-light to sex. Silence is often an indicator that someone is uncomfortable or hesitating—not consenting.

Your partner is asleep now, but earlier they said they would consent.

Yes, that’s giving consent.

No, that’s not giving consent.

Absolutely not. Sexual activity with someone who is unconscious is sexual assault.

Correct! A person must be conscious, not impaired by drugs or alcohol, and aware of their surroundings in order to give consent.

You’re in the middle of consensual sexual activity and your partner tells you to stop.

Yes, you have their consent to continue.

No, you don’t have their consent to continue.

Correct! Anyone can withdraw consent from sexual activity at any time. If your partner says “no” or tells you to stop, even if they previously consented, you have to stop.

Wrong answer. Remember that consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time.

Final question: When are you obligated to say “yes” when someone asks for your consent to have sex?

If you and your partner are in love.

If you’ve already said no several times.

Never.

Correct! You never have to consent to sex if you do not want to. Only you can decide if and when to have sex.

Incorrect. Try again.

Do you still have questions about consent? Visit our partners at NO MORE for more information about understanding and practicing consent.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or domestic violence, please know you are not alone. For support after sexual assault, contact RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) at 1-800-656-4673 or chat at online.rainn.org. Si necesita ayuda en Español, visite nuestras páginas. Learn how you can support a survivor.