What is Consent?

In all sexual encounters, it is important that you obtain consent. Each person involved is responsible for obtaining consent and has a right to choose to give consent or not give consent. Each person is responsible for making sure their partner is giving ongoing consent during sexual activity.

Consent is:

• Informed, knowing, and voluntary (freely given)
• Active (not passive)
• Affirmative, clear words or actions that create mutually understandable permission regarding the conditions of sexual or intimate activity
• Not something that can be given by someone who is known to be, or who should be known to be, mentally or physically incapacitated
• Not something that can be obtained by use of physical force, compelling threats, intimidating behavior, or coercion

Consent can be withdrawn or changed, and it can have conditions. Sexual activity needs to stop if consent is withdrawn or agreed upon conditions are not met.

Consent for some sexual activity (kissing, fondling, etc.) does not give consent to other activity (e.g., intercourse).

Consent videos

• Tea Consent video
• Consent - It's not as simple as tea video

Force

• The use of physical violence and/or imposition to gain sexual access.
• Includes threats, intimidation (implied threats), and coercion.
• Sexual activity that is forced is, by definition, non-consensual.

Incapacitation

• Mentally and/or physically helpless, unconscious or unaware that sexual activity is occurring.
• Incapacitation is a state beyond drunkenness or intoxication.
• Warning signs that a person may be approaching incapacitation may include:
  • slurred speech, vomiting, unsteady gait, odor of alcohol or other substance, combativeness, and/or emotional volatility.