Sexual consent is an agreement between two or more people to engage in a sexual activity. Consent is all about communication (verbal, physical etc.). Continuing to engage in a sexual activity where someone has not consented (including if they are below the age of consent, too intoxicated, or it is a situation where they feel pressured to comply) is sexual assault and is criminally punishable in many places. Note that how sexual consent is legally or socially defined varies greatly geographically. Also note that while consent does not need to be verbal, explicitly agreeing to something makes it easier for all parties to respect each other’s boundaries.