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Topic 18 of 24

Personal safety, consent and getting help

Everyone has the right to decide what happens to their body, and to change their mind. This section explains consent and coercion, what to do when a boundary is crossed, and how to reach a real person who can help.

2 articles

3 short answers

10-22 reading levels

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In this section

Alphabetical, not ranked. Nothing here is dated, because bodies are not — and we do not track what anyone reads.

  • Safety & consent

    Consent, coercion and healthy relationships

    Consent is a free, informed, ongoing yes. Coercion is getting someone to say yes without those conditions — which is far more common than physical…

    16-19 8 min read

  • Safety & consent

    Personal boundaries and consent

    Consent means choosing to do something freely, and being able to stop choosing at any time. A boundary is a line you get to set and change. Silence…

    13-15 8 min read

Also asked

Questions people in this topic actually ask

Each has its own short answer, and most link straight into the articles above.

  • Safety & consent 13-15

    What if i freeze and cant say no

    Freezing is a response the body can produce, and it is not consent. You do not owe anyone a refusal in the moment. What matters is that you are believed afterwards, and that help is available whenever you are ready to ask for it.

  • Safety & consent 13-15

    What does consent actually mean

    Consent means you are choosing to do something, freely, and you can stop choosing at any time. It has to be informed, enthusiastic, ongoing and specific. Silence is not a yes, freezing is not a yes, and consent given earlier does not automatically apply later.

  • Safety & consent 13-15

    What is grooming

    Grooming is the process of building trust with someone in order to exploit them, usually over time, and often by an older person. It usually involves secrecy, testing boundaries, gaining control of information, and gradually increasing what is asked for.

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