Our purpose is to provide basic information about sexual consent. It is a first step toward understanding the complex issue of sexual decision making, communication, and healthy relationships. As this is not an exhaustive resource, we hope you use this information and the enclosed resources to continue to explore this topic.
Sexual Consent is for EVERYONE: The legal definition and concepts of consent applies to all persons regardless of age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, and/or whether they are or are not currently involved in a sexual relationship.
What is sexual consent? It means that at the time of the act, there are actual words or physical conduct indicating freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact. Obtaining consent is an ongoing process of mutual communication as sex progresses, regardless of who initiates it.
What constitutes sexual misconduct, assault, rape, or any other sexual offense?
The absence of consent
What is sexual consent? It means that at the time of the act, there are actual words or physical conduct indicating freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact. Obtaining consent is an ongoing process of mutual communication as sex progresses, regardless of who initiates it.
Continuous clear consent...
Consent is an ongoing process. Consent occurs continuously and moment to moment. It is ongoing communication. Receiving an indication of interest early in the evening is not an open invitation for any type of sexual interaction later.
Being involved in a sexual relationship requires clear and direct communication skills. You will use these skills whether you are dating, married, or connecting with someone for only one night.
Each person involved in a sexual relationship is responsible for both clearly giving and clearly receiving consent.
Consent: Cues & Communication
Consent can only be given when both parties have equal power in determining the level of sexual intimacy that will/will not occur in a sexual relationship. Consent is not the absence of a "no"—it is the presence of a "yes," achieved through open communication and respect for others' sexual boundaries.
Whose responsibility is it to get consent?
It is both people's responsibility to ask for and clearly give consent for every sexual act each time it occurs. It is best to get consent before sexual contact, when both parties are sober, and in a comfortable and private place. However, this consent is not final and consent should continue as sexual acts progress.
When asking for or giving consent, it is important to be clear. Do you say one thing and mean another? Be clear and state exactly what you want. Be overly explicit and don't make assumptions.
Is your body language saying the same thing that you are? Body language can be misleading especially when it contradicts verbal messages. Consent needs to be verbal. Be verbally clear when giving consent, and when getting consent, rely on words only.
Consent cannot truly be given if a person is incapacitated, asleep, or unconscious. When in doubt whether or not consent has been given for a sexual act, it is always best to clarify with a partner using our suggested tips.
Important Definitions
