Sexual Assault Prevention

Consent

There is no single legal definition of consent. Each state sets its own definition, either in law or through court cases. In general, there are three main ways that states analyze consent in relation to sexual acts:

  • Affirmative consent: Did the person express overt actions or words indicating agreement for sexual acts?
  • Freely given consent: Was the consent offered of the person’s own free will, without being induced by fraud, coercion, violence, or threat of violence?
  • Capacity to consent: Did the individual have the capacity, or legal ability, to consent?

Positive Consent Can Look Like This:

  • Communicating when you change the type or degree of sexual activity with phrases like “Is this OK?”
  • Explicitly agreeing to certain activities, either by saying “yes” or another affirmative statement, like “I’m open to trying.”
  • Using physical cues to let the other person know you’re comfortable taking things to the next level

It Does Not Look Like This:

  • Refusing to acknowledge
  • Assuming that wearing certain clothes, flirting, or kissing is an invitation for anything more
  • Someone being under the legal age of consent, as defined by the state
  • Someone being incapacitated because of drugs or alcohol
  • Pressuring someone into sexual activity by using fear or intimidation
  • Assuming you have permission to engage in a sexual act because you've done it in the past

Protect Yourself

  • Pay attention to your gut. If it feels wrong, it is.
  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Post with care. Consider limiting or disabling the geolocating options on social media sites.
  • Make others earn your trust.
  • Have a back-up plan. Talk about it with your friends.
  • Lock doors and windows.
  • Protect your drink.
  • Know your alcohol limits.
  • Lie if you need to get out of a dangerous situation.

Help Others

  • C-create a distraction. Food, a game, a dance, to give the person time.
  • A-ask directly. Talk to the person who may be in trouble.
  • R-refer to an authority. Bartender, security guard, campus employee.
  • E-enlist others. Can you check on your friend?

External Sources:

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