Can We Talk About Consent? Book

RELEASE DATE - 5 JANUARY 2021

Reading level - 14 to 18 years.

What exactly is consent? Why does it matter? How can you respect other people’s boundaries, and have them respect yours? 

Can We Talk About Consent? breaks down the basics of how to give and get consent in every aspect of life for readers aged 14 years and older. It's a powerful word, but not everyone understands exactly what it means. This stylish guide explains clearly why consent matters – for all of us.

With honest explanations by experienced sex and relationships educator Justin Hancock, you'll learn how consent is a vital part of how we connect with ourselves and our self-esteem, the people close to us and the wider world.

The book covers a broad range of topics, including:

• how we greet each other 
• how to choose things for ourselves
• how we say no to things
• communicating and respecting choices in sexual relationships
• the factors that can affect a person's ability to choose
• how to empower other people by giving them consent

And – there's a whole lot of pizza. 

This guide to consent gives you all the tools you need to build consensual relationships.

'Can We Talk About Consent is the much-needed straightforward introduction to consent that we've all been waiting for. This book is engaging, entertaining, and full of great visuals and helpful activities. Justin takes the reader gently by the hand - with consent of course! - and guides them through the tricky terrain of how to navigate sex and relationships consensually, as well as how to consider the impact of such vital aspects as power, 'ism's, 'should stories', and experiences of non-consensual behaviour. This really is a vital book for young people, and - I would say - for people of all ages.' 
Meg-John Barker ― Author of Queer: A Graphic History and A Practical Guide to Sex

"Can We Talk About Consent is a smart, thoughtful, and lovely book that gets into the nitty-gritty of consent. It helps young people understand and negotiate consent, agency, and power -- all in a relaxed, chatty style. It doesn't patronise, but it empowers, with concrete examples and lots of lively illustrations. A much-needed and brilliantly executed book."
Katherine Angel ― Author and academic. 'Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again' Verso, March 2021

"Beautifully illustrated, full of invaluable information, and written by someone who has real experience in explaining this stuff! This book is essential reading for all young people who want to live a happy and safe life, and gives them amazing insight into a subject that many grown-ups find confusing. It’s SO needed right now. I only wish it was around when I was younger!"
Dr Ranj Singh ― NHS Doctor & TV Presenter

'A fresh, frank guide to relationships, respect and self-esteem.'
Fiona Noble ― The Bookseller