Sexual violence is a global health issue and a violation of human rights that can lead to severe social and health consequences for the victims and their families. Using perceived social norms as a theoretical framework, this study examines the perceptions of sexual consent in India – a culture where sex and sexuality are not openly discussed. More specifically, this dissertation will explore the types of injunctive, descriptive, and group norms (e.g., patriarchy, heteronormativity, and other cultural beliefs) that influence sexual communication and illuminate how consent is negotiated in romantic relationships. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 individuals residing in New Delhi, India. Findings show that young adults in India have varying understandings of sexual consent that are rooted in their experiences of sexual abuse and dating. Descriptive norms (e.g., the perception that demanding sex is common), injunctive norms (e.g., men are expected to be dominant, and women are expected to be subservient), and cultural norms (e.g., stigmatization of dating and resistance to sexual communication) inform the way people learn about consent and how to negotiate it. These norms also create an environment where sexual coercion in relationships is tolerated. Findings also show that people learn about consent and how to negotiate it through observation and from different interpersonal (e.g., friends, teachers, parents) and media sources (e.g., porn, TV shows, movies). The findings of this study are crucial for developing sexual violence intervention messages; specifically for educating young adults in India about nuances of consent and how to negotiate it ethically. This study ultimately aims to inform interventions that can encourage healthy sexual behaviors, improve women’s sexual health, and reduce sexual violence in India.