Withdrawing consent - meaning and definition
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Definition
Withdrawing consent means stopping or changing your agreement to an activity at any point, including after it has started. Once consent is withdrawn, the activity should stop.
At a glance
- Anyone can withdraw consent at any time, for any reason.
- No explanation or justification is needed.
- Withdrawal can be spoken or shown through actions such as pulling away or going still.
- Respecting it means stopping promptly, without bargaining or sulking.
- Continuing after consent is withdrawn is a serious violation.
In detail
Anyone can withdraw consent at any time, for any reason, without needing to justify it. It can be said directly ("Stop", "I don't want to") or shown through actions such as pulling away, going still or becoming silent.
Respecting a withdrawal means stopping promptly, not bargaining or sulking, and checking that the other person is okay. Continuing after consent has been withdrawn is treated as a serious violation in ethics and, in many places, in law.
In a sentence
- She was withdrawing consent when she said she wanted to stop, and that was the end of it.
- Our health class said withdrawing consent halfway through is completely okay.
Common questions
Can you withdraw consent after something has started?
Yes. Consent can be withdrawn at any point, including partway through, and the activity should stop straight away.
How should I react if my partner wants to stop?
Stop promptly, check that they are okay and avoid making them feel guilty. Respecting a change of mind builds trust.
What if someone did not stop when I withdrew consent?
What happened was not your fault. A rape crisis centre, sexual assault service or sexual health clinic can offer confidential support, whether or not you want to report it. If you are in danger, call your local emergency number.