Sex Education Must Include Consent to Help Prevent Sexual Assault

Concord, NH — This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund is highlighting the importance of sex education programs that address consent and healthy relationships in order to help prevent sexual violence. Young people deserve comprehensive sex education that gives them the information and skills they need to navigate sex and relationships, starting well before they become sexually active.

“Preventing sexual violence starts with sex education that includes critical information about consent. Young people need to learn how to communicate respectfully and assertively, respect boundaries, make good decisions, and engage in healthy relationships,” said Molly Cowan, Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund spokeswoman.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England provides sex education programs that give young people the reliable, accurate information they need to make responsible decisions and stay healthy. Ensuring that young people have access to medically accurate and timely sex education is an investment in our youth, their well-being, and their ability to form safe and healthy relationships. These programs address a comprehensive definition of consent, including that it must be freely given, and fully informed. PPNNE has five health centers in the Granite State, where anyone can go to get more information on sexual education, resources, and guidance on consent to help people make healthy decisions about their bodies, sex, and relationships. PPNNE’s education team also conducts work beyond health centers to help reinforce healthy relationships and sexual education in local communities.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England provides safe, compassionate care for women who have experienced sexual assault. All PPNNE patients are met with private and non judgmental whole person care, which includes screenings for intimate partner violence, and, when appropriate, immediate referrals to local support.

“Planned Parenthood of Northern New England stands with survivors of sexual assault,” continued Cowan. “PPNNE is a safe place for all patients, and serves as a connection between survivors and the critical services they receive from the domestic abuse prevention community.”

Survivors of sexual assault deserve care from a supportive and expert provider, like PPNNE. In addition to private and non judgmental whole person care, PPNNE also provides STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, transgender care, options counseling, and abortion in a compassionate environment.

For immediate assistance with intimate partner violence, please visit the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Assault website to learn more about confidential hotlines and the 13 crisis centers in New Hampshire.  

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Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) is the largest provider of reproductive and sexual health care for women, men and teens across the State of New Hampshire. We serve New Hampshire residents through 6 health centers in Claremont, Derry, Exeter, Keene, Manchester and White River Junction, VT. Last year we saw more than 11,000 patients at these sites.

Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund (PPNHAF) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England in New Hampshire. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.