General Sex Questions

What is consent?

Consent is asking and receiving a clear go ahead to engage in sexual activity with some one else. Consent can be given and taken at any time during sexual activity.

A simple way to describe consent is Consent is FRIES.

FRIES – Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, Specific

Freely Given: If you pressure someone or trick them into it, it isn’t consent. People who are drunk, high and especially people who are passed out can’t give their consent.

Reversible: Just because you wanted to do it that one time doesn’t mean you want to do it every time. Even if you are naked in bed or in the middle of it you can still withdraw your consent.

Informed: You need to know all the facts that are relevant for your consent. If the other person tells you they’ll use some contraceptive and then they don’t – it is not consensual.

Enthusiastic: Everything you do is much more fun if all the people involved are excited about it. If you get the feeling that the other person isn’t happy – check in and ask.

Specific: Just because you gave your consent for one thing (e.g. making out) doesn’t mean that you automatically gave your consent for everything else.

It is important to note that in Malta the legal age of sexual consent is 16. Consent cannot be given if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.