You Can Refuse Sex

It's OK to Not Have Sex

Not everyone's doing it. In the U.S. less than half (46%) of young people ages 15-19 have had sexual intercourse.

Deciding not to have sex is OK.

Make sure you do what is right for you.

Think about how sex fits into your values, your goals for your future, your relationship with family and friends.

Think about your ability to get help if you get pregnant or get a disease.

You Can Choose If and When to Have Sex

• You can decide to not have sex.
• You can choose not to have sex even if you've had sex before.
• You can choose to use birth control, including condoms, to protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy, STDs and HIV.
• You can get help and support after rape or sexual assault.
• Forced sex is rape and rape is a crime.

Help and Support After Rape or Sexual Assault

If you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, rape or sexual assault you are not alone. There are resources for help and support:

• New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline

  English: 1-800-942-6906
  Spanish: 1-800-942-6908
  English TTY: 1-800-818-0656
  Spanish TTY: 1-800-780-7660

   

• New York State Department of Health Hotline
  1-800-522-5006

   

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network)
  1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

  If you need to talk with someone about rape or sexual assault, RAINN can connect you to a local rape crisis center. RAINN also operates the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. All services are anonymous.

CALL 911 IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER