Greenburgh Public Library Blog

Learn about Consent and Prevent Teen Dating Violence

Violence in teen relationships is sadly, very common. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 11 female and approximately 1 in 14 male high school students report having experienced physical dating violence in the last year. When it comes to experiencing sexual violence, the stats are about 1 in 8 female and 1 in 26 male high school students in the past year. We can all do more to prevent teen dating violence and teach teens about consent. 

What is Consent?

According to this infographic from Planned Parenthood, consent is as easy as FRIES:

• Freely Given: Consenting is a choice you make without pressure, manipulation, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

• Reversible: Anyone can change their mind about what they feel like doing, anytime. Even if you’ve done it before, and even if you’re both naked in bed. 

• Informed: You can only consent to something if you have the full story. For example, if someone says they’ll use a condom and they don’t there isn’t full consent. 

• Enthusiastic: When it comes to sex, you should only do stuff you WANT to do, not things that you feel you’re expected to do. 

• Specific: Saying yes to one thing (like going to the bedroom to makeout) doesn’t mean you’ve said yes to others (like having sex). 
   

Greenburgh Public Library has partnered with My Sisters’ Place to offer two programs, teaching both teens and parents about consent in teen relationships. 

Tuesday, November 2, 7 PM

What Teens Need to Know About Consent: A Conversation with My Sisters' Place

Learn about the elements of healthy relationships, consent, the difference between normal conflict and intimate partner abuse, the warning signs of abuse, and what to do if you or a friend is being abused by a dating partner. 
 

What Parents Need to Know About Consent in Teen Relationships: A Conversation With My Sisters' Place

Learn how to talk to your kids about relationships, consent, dating violence, and other difficult topics. My Sisters' Place Parents Talk gives adults the opportunity to develop skills to discuss these topics, and more, with the young people in their lives. Facilitated by experienced MSP educators, Parents Talk provides parents and other adults with guidance on having difficult conversations and "6 Critical Life Messages" to communicate with youth through your actions and words. It also equips adults with tools to support the youth in their life while also respecting their rights and privacy.