{"id":271,"date":"2020-06-20T19:16:52","date_gmt":"2020-06-20T19:16:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stsm.org\/?page_id=271"},"modified":"2020-06-20T19:16:53","modified_gmt":"2020-06-20T19:16:53","slug":"what-is-consent","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/arf.stsm.org\/?page_id=271","title":{"rendered":"What Is Consent?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What Is Consent?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consent is an agreement given equally by all partners to engage in a specific activity at the moment. Consent is a clear understanding of what’s being asked for and agreed upon. Consent is freely given with no coercion by either party. Consent is never assumed and consent can be taken back at any time. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

What is the age of consent in South Carolina?<\/a>

\nThe age of consent in South Carolina is 16 years old.
\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
I\u2019m under 18. Is it illegal for me to have sex with my boyfriend\/ girlfriend?<\/a>

\nThe age of consent in South Carolina is 16 years old. However, it is legal for a 14 year old to give consent for sexual intercourse if the partner is 18 years of age or younger. This is referred to as the Romeo Clause. Regardless of age, any sexual act that is not consensual is considered sexual assault.
\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
If I\u2019m over 18 but want to date\/ have sex with someone under 18, is that legal?<\/a>

\nIt is considered statutory rape if an adolescent under the age of 16 has sexual intercourse with an individual 19 years of age or older. Regardless of age, any sexual act that is not consensual is considered sexual assault.
\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
If I\u2019m having sex and my parents find out, can they get my boyfriend\/girlfriend in trouble?<\/a>

\nIf you are between the ages of 14-18 and your partner is between the ages of 14-18, it is not illegal to have consensual sex. If you are under age 18, your parents can file a report with law enforcement at any time. Law enforcement will decide whether an investigation is needed. Regardless of age, any sexual act that is not consensual is considered sexual assault.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does consent work in real life?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re engaging in sexual activity, consent is about communication. And it should happen every time. Giving consent for one activity, one time, does not mean giving consent for increased or recurring sexual contact. For example, agreeing to kiss someone doesn\u2019t give that person permission to remove your clothes. Having sex with someone in the past doesn\u2019t give that person permission to have sex with you again in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can change your mind at any time. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can withdraw consent at any point if you feel uncomfortable. It\u2019s important to clearly communicate to your partner that you are no longer comfortable with this activity and wish to stop. The best way to ensure both parties are comfortable with any sexual activity is to talk about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positive consent can look like this:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n