Safety & Harm Reduction · 15 of 25

Consent and personal boundaries

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.

For everyone across Canada. General education; individual care needs medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911, keep yourself safe, and follow the dispatcher’s directions.

Free to share and print

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