Sex?— A Healthy Sexuality Resource - Government of Nova Scotia

Sexual AssaultSEXUALASSAULTSexual Assaultand Date RapeNO always means NO. STOP always means STOP.If someone says NO and you do not stop,you are committing a crime.Most sexual assaults are NOT committed by strangers.When a teen is sexually assaulted, 85% of the time it is bysomeone he or she knows. It could be a friend, a date, a relative,or someone you’ve seen around. And most of the time, it doesn’thappen in a dark alley. It happens on a date—in a car or at a partyor in someone’s house. Maybe even in your own house.It’s your responsibility to accept and respect your partner’slimits. It is also your responsibility to ask your partner if what youare doing is okay. You cannot assume that because your partnerdoesn’t say anything, you can just go ahead. For example, evenif your partner says “okay” to kissing and touching, you still needto ask if it’s okay to go further. You can say, “Is this okay, too?”If your partner doesn’t say “yes,” then stop. Silence does notmean consent. Either partner can change their mind at anypoint, even during sex.Drugs and alcohol are often involved in sexual assault. Noone can consent to sex while drunk, drugged, or unconscious.Drugging someone or getting them drunk so you can have sex withher or him is sexual assault. It is a crime.38