Consent means agreeing to do something. When it comes to sex, this means someone agreeing to take part in a sexual activity.
Any sort of sexual contact without consent is illegal whatever the age of the people involved. If someone does not give consent and a person still engages in a sexual act with them, this is sexual assault or rape. This can include sexual touching, oral, anal and vaginal sex with a penis or with any other type of object.
If someone forces you to do something you do not want to do of a sexual nature, it is never your fault and it is not OK. You should speak to someone you trust if this has happened to you so that you can get help and support.
What does 'age of consent' mean?
The term 'age of consent' means the age at which a person is legally allowed to decide to have sex.
The age of consent for anyone having sex in Scotland is 16. If one person is under 16, then the person over 16 is breaking the law.
Having sex with a young person under the age of 16 is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and life imprisonment where the young person is aged under 13.
For more information about consent visit
https://young.scot/get-the-lowdown/articles/sex-and-the-law/