Thinking about where you have sex, it’s essential to consider your safety and well-being. At SHAC, we care about your health and want to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
Your safety matters
Your safety is our top priority. We want to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable wherever you choose to have sex. It’s important to talk openly about your concerns and experiences so we can offer the right support and advice tailored to your needs.
Fraser guidelines and Gillick competence
If you’re aged 16 or over, you have the legal right to make your own decisions about your sexual health without parental involvement. This means you can access contraception and sexual health services confidentially. We respect your right to privacy and confidentiality. If you’re aged 16 or under, Gillick competency and Fraser guidelines help us to balance the need to listen to your wishes with the responsibility to keep you safe.
Sharing information with parents or guardians
As healthcare professionals, we adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. We will not share information about your sexual health with your parents or guardians without your explicit consent. Our priority is to support you while respecting your privacy.
Sharing information with other professionals
Where possible, we share information with consent. Where possible, we respect your wishes if you do not consent to have you information shared. Under the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, we may share information without consent if, in our judgement, there is a lawful basis to do so, such as where safety may be at risk.
Safety advice
Here are some safety tips to consider when choosing where to have sex:
- Consent: Always ensure that both you and your partner give enthusiastic and informed consent to any sexual activity.
- Communication: Openly discuss boundaries, desires, and concerns with your partner to ensure a safe and respectful experience for both of you.
- Safe Environment: Choose a comfortable and private location where you feel secure and free from interruptions.
- Protection: Use condoms or other forms of contraception to protect against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
- Trust: Engage in sexual activities with partners you trust and who respect your boundaries.
- Be Informed: Educate yourself about sexual health, contraception options, and sexually transmitted infections to make informed choices.
- Seek Support and Advice: If you ever feel unsafe or have concerns about your sexual experiences, please don’t hesitate to talk to us. We are here to listen, support, and provide confidential advice tailored to your needs.
Remember, your well-being is essential, and we want to help you navigate your sexual health journey with confidence and safety.