Consensual sex | Consensual sex | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Consensual%20Sex%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClassCCD1656C6B1348A18585E2C1158B2589"><p>We take sexual abuse and assault very seriously. </p></div> | <h2 class="sectHeading">What is consensual sex? </h2><p>Please make a note of these legal conditions:</p><ul><li>Sex and any other sexual act should only occur with agreement or permission by everyone involved.</li><li>Sexual acts with someone under the age of 16 are considered a sexual crime – even if there is “consent”.</li><li>Sex should be something you do willingly. You should not, and don’t have to, have sex with someone if you don’t want to.</li><li>If you say “YES” to sex, because you want to and don’t feel forced to, only then are you giving your consent. </li></ul>
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<i class="info remember"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Remember</h4><p>You always have the right to say “<strong>no</strong>!"</p></div></div>
<h2 class="sectHeading">What if I change my mind?</h2><p>Sometimes the situation can get confusing, especially if you change your mind and are worried about offending the other person. In the same way, if you want to have sex with someone and they are not sure if they want to, you can’t force them or make them feel they have to.</p><p>Especially when we are young, having sex for the first time can be frightening. It’s even more frightening if someone forces you to have sex or if you don’t feel comfortable doing it.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Was it rape?</h2><p>If you have not given your consent or are under the legal age, this could be classified as rape. It is not always easy to identify rape, especially if you don’t know your rights or did not have complete control over the situation.</p><p>
Here are some examples to guide you.</p><p>
<b>It is rape if:</b></p><ul><li>you are forced into the act by violence or the threat of violence to yourself, someone you care about, or to your property;</li><li>you are drunk, drugged, asleep or unconscious;</li><li>you are younger than 16 years old or mentally challenged;</li><li>you are led to believe by a superior (e.g. boss or teacher) that refusing sex will risk your position at work or at the learning institute;</li><li>you are lead to believe by a professional or someone in authority that the sexual act is needed for your physical, emotional or spiritual health; and</li><li>if your partner or spouse forces you into a sexual act without your consent, it can be seen as rape – this is referred to as marital rape.</li></ul><span><h2 class="sectHeading">Get help</h2></span><p>If you want to talk to someone about your sexual experience, you can speak to your social worker or a counselor at one of your
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities">local clinics and healthcare facilities</a>.</p><p>If you have been sexually assaulted, please read 'getting help' on our page <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/personal-health/sexual-health/understanding-rape-and-sexual-assault">Understanding rape and sexual assault</a>. </p> | | GP0|#426d19e5-fa07-4aeb-a81e-623da12e21e4;L0|#0426d19e5-fa07-4aeb-a81e-623da12e21e4|Consensual sex;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#29d3d5b5-6925-47c8-aa75-e5870bf478ca;GPP|#090e430c-3809-42d5-a80b-caea93b2beaf;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711;GP0|#427b7a75-1a37-4bc8-9599-57bd8bcd736b;L0|#0427b7a75-1a37-4bc8-9599-57bd8bcd736b|Consensual sex;GPP|#efa62315-f7b4-4cf5-8d1b-b074b98de032;GPP|#36dcb5fe-6bfc-4ae9-92d7-8bd08d1f6414;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752;GP0|#bfcd8616-c175-4cdc-9f88-462167b7847a;L0|#0bfcd8616-c175-4cdc-9f88-462167b7847a|Consensual sex;GPP|#2e91f663-1e15-45c7-b8f5-fbb8c225a695;GPP|#df0a3405-0ca1-4617-8047-15a034219fee | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Consensual sex is sexual relations and intercourse with someone of your choosing and approval, and you are both of legal age. | |