A recent arrest from an incident at Rhinelander High School has brought into focus the larger issue of sexual consent and a spokesperson for Tri-County Council On Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault offers a clarification.
Melissa K. is the Sexual Assault Coordinator at the agency and describes what consent is...
"Consent is something that needs to be given between two individuals who are entering into a sexual relationship. Just to be clear, minors cannot consent to sexual intercourse..."
Melissa had some general advice regarding anyone involved in a relationship. She says consent is also reversible. If a person decides they don't want to continue it's assumed the person has said no...
"I think it's important to discuss with your partner things that you are willing to do and not willing to do. Even if you're engaged in sexual activity, that consent can be withdrawn at any time. If the person doesn't feel comfortable or you're engaging in a sexual act and your partner seems unenthusiastic about what's happening. It's o.k. to ask, 'is this o.k.? Are you doing o.k.? Do you want me to stop?"
Melissa says the Planned Parenthood website has a detailed rundown concerning the issue of consent.
Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is headquartered in Rhinelander.
