When two people engage in sexual activity, it is necessary that both parties agree to each of the activities that are going to be carried out. This is what is known as sexual consent. When there is no sexual consent on the part of any of the parties, it will always be considered a crime.
If you are not very clear about how consent should be given, it is important that you be clear about the following:
It must be clear and specific. When talking about sexual consent it must be a clear and explicit YES. Any hint of doubt should be enough for sexual activity not to occur. Likewise, silence is never synonymous with consent.
It must be given freely. Sexual consent must have its origin in what each of the people involved wants to do. There should be no hint of pressure, manipulation, nor should it be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
You can withdraw at any time. The fact that you accept a sexual activity once does not mean that you are always willing to do it again. Every time sexual contact is going to occur, it is necessary to ask for and express consent.
It is provided being informed. Consent can only be given if the person involved is informed of the contact that will be had.
In addition to the above, it is important to keep in mind that age is also decisive when talking about sexual consent.
What is the age of sexual consent in the United States?
Having a sexual relationship with a minor, using deception, superiority or physical violence, is considered a crime and is punishable by law. At the federal level, the age of consent is 16 years old. However, each state in the United States has its own provisions regarding consensual sex.
In 32 states the age of consent is 16 years. These states are: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia and Washington.
For its part, in the states of Wyoming, Texas, New York, New Mexico, Missouri, Louisiana, Illinois and Colorado the age of consent is 17 years. While in Wisconsin, Virginia, Utah, Tennessee, Oregon, North Dakota, Idaho, Florida, Delaware, California and Arizona, sexual relations with partners under the age of 18 years.
Additionally, there are exceptions according to the difference in years between the people involved in sexual contact. In some states there is no criminal punishment if the age difference is between two or four years depending on the case..
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