Sexual Assault

Consent

You don't have to be an expert to know the limits of consent and what it looks like for you.

If you ever feel uncomfortable, it is OK to stop any sexual encounter at any time.

Consent is a significant factor that some ignore involving sexual assault.

If you do not agree or change your mind, no one has the legal right to continue.

Learn more about consent below and how to understand it.

What Is Consent and What Does it Look Like?

An agreement to participate in sexual behavior is "consent."

Consent should be expressed openly and unambiguously. You and your partner can better understand and respect each other's boundaries by verbally and explicitly saying your consent.

An underage person, impaired by drugs or alcohol, unconscious, sleepy, or drunk, cannot offer consent.

It is not considered consent if someone agrees to anything under duress, coercion, or intimidation because it was not freely provided.

Sexual conduct involving an employee or student also entails the absence of free consent.

How Does it Work?

Consent in sexual situations is a matter of communication. And it must occur consistently for all kinds of activities.

One-time consent for an action does not imply future approval for the same activity or additional instances of the same activity. The fact that you have sex with someone does not grant them consent to do so with you again.

Before engaging in sexual conduct, clarifying boundaries and expectations with your partner is crucial.

You Are Free to Change Your Mind.

If you feel uncomfortable, you can easily withdraw consent at any time.

Communicating with your partner and letting them know you wish to stop is one way to do this. If you can't verbally communicate this, showing through your body language or shaking your head is another way. Your partner should be able to understand that you want to stop.

Involving consent, you don't have to speak verbally if you are uncomfortable. Instead, it can show through your actions, such as shaking your head, moving away, or lightly pushing them away. These are clear indicators that you do not wish to continue. Just because you have started in sexual acts doesn't mean you have to finish them. Many people tend to feel uncomfortable later on and wish to stop; this is OK.

Verbal or Physical Indication Of Consent

This can go hand-in-hand.

First, ask your partner if it is OK and ask for permission beforehand.

Then, as you continue, understand their body language and verbally confirm if your actions are still OK. Let your partner know you can stop at any time.

Make sure you both want the same thing going forward, and discuss it if you need to. Both parties need to feel comfortable at all times.

An erection, lubrication, arousal, or orgasm are involuntary physiological reactions, meaning your body may react a certain way even though you do not agree to the activity.

Sometimes offenders would diminish a victim's experience by saying things such as, "You know you enjoyed it," or keep their crimes under wraps by exploiting the fact that these physiological reactions take place.

A natural response in no way implies that you approved of what was in place. It would not be your fault if you were subjected to sexual abuse or assault.

Pressure Involving Sexual Violence

Sexual predators frequently drive victims into doing things they do not want to do by using methods like guilt or intimidation. You may experience distress, fear, or discomfort if you find yourself in this circumstance.

If someone is acting this way, it is not your fault. Trust your gut in any situation if you feel as if you are being pressured and don't want to move forward. No one can force you into what you don't want to do.

Find a way to leave or excuse yourself if this is happening. Get out of this situation immediately.

How Can You Prevent Sexual Assault?

The offender is the only one responsible for sexual assault, but we can all protect one another from harm.

Anyone can help stop sexual violence by providing a safe ride home from a party or simply confronting someone who is acting threateningly.

A bystander is a spectator who observes an event but is not actively involved.

Bystanders may be present when sexual assault or abuse occurs or see the events preceding these crimes. By being a bystander, you can help victims escape their assaulter and be the eyes and ears they need for safety and help.

Do not let a situation go unnoticed if you see that something isn't right. Your actions have a significant impact on how you help a survivor.

Tips to Keep You Safe Involving Alcohol

• Do not leave your drink unattended.

• Don't accept alcohol from strangers or someone you don't know well.

• Be alert to any abrupt changes in how your body feels.

• Whether you drink frequently or not, make sure to routinely check in with yourself to see how you're doing.

• Stay close to your group of friends or people you trust. Do not walk off with a stranger, even if they convince you they can help or give you a safe ride home.

• Don't disregard your unease or worry if they arise for whatever cause. Trust your gut.

• Remember that it was not your responsibility, even if you were drinking when a sexual assault happened.

  You are not alone.