Consent and personal boundaries
Safety & Harm Reduction — Guide 15 of 25

Everyone has a right to decide what happens to their body. Substance use never excuses pressure, unwanted contact, or violence.

Keep consent clear
Consent must be freely given, specific, and ongoing. A person can change their mind. Someone who is asleep, unconscious, or too impaired to understand and choose cannot consent. Silence or lack of resistance is not permission.

Useful words
- “Is this what you want?”
- “We can stop.”
- “I don’t want that.”
- “Please give me space.”
- “Can you help me leave?”

Support without blame
If someone tells you about unwanted contact, listen and ask what they need. Do not blame them for drinking, using substances, or being somewhere. Help them contact a sexual assault service or healthcare provider if they want support. If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call emergency services. Legal definitions and available services vary by region.

If you are helping someone
Help someone reach a safer place. Their substance use never makes unwanted contact their fault.

WARN (OTHERS): After immediate care is covered, share dated advisories or observed concerns. Say what is confirmed and what is uncertain. Protect people’s privacy. Emergency care comes first. Never share someone’s name, identifying photo or private health details.

Your next step
Agree with a trusted person how you will help each other leave uncomfortable situations.

Current guide: https://therealdopeproject.com/safety-guides/consent-and-personal-boundaries

The Real DOPE Project — Safety Is for Everyone.

Contact: therealdopeproject@gmail.com

Resource text updated: 2026-10-13. Earlier sources retain their individual review dates.

General education, not individual medical advice or first aid certification. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the dispatcher and your exact kit instructions.

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