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CONSENT - A Focus Point of Sexual Assault Awareness Month-2012
It is Time To Talk About It!!!
IT’S TIME … TO TALK ABOUT IT! CONNECT. RESPECT. PREVENT SEXUAL VIOLENCE. It’s time … to talk about consent. Consent, by definition, means permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. Consent is more than yes or no. It is a dialogue about desires, needs, and level of comfort with different sexual interactions. Healthy sexual interactions are rooted in consent and respect. Consent is essential in all healthy sexual interactions. It is important to understand what consent is, as well as what consent looks like. This fact sheet will provide information, tips and resources about consent. What is consent? Consent is permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. When sex is consensual, it means everyone involved has agreed to what they are doing and has given their permission. Non-consensual sex, or sex without someone’s agreement or permission, is sexual assault. Some important things to know about consent: Drugs and alcohol blur consent. Drugs and alcohol impact decision making. When drugs and alcohol are involved, clear consent cannot be obtained. In many states, an intoxicated person cannot legally give consent. Drugs and alcohol impact decision making. When drugs and alcohol are involved, clear consent cannot be obtained. In many states, an intoxicated person cannot legally give consent. Consent needs to be clear. Consent is more than not hearing the word "no." A partner saying nothing is not the same as a partner saying "yes." Don’t rely on body language, past sexual interactions or any other non-verbal cues. Never assume you have consent. Always be sure you have consent. Consent is more than not hearing the word "no." A partner saying nothing is not the same as a partner saying "yes." Don’t rely on body language, past sexual interactions or any other non-verbal cues. Never assume you have consent. Always be sure you have consent. Consent can be fun. Consent does not have to be something that "ruins the mood." In fact, clear and enthusiastic consent can actually enhance sexual interactions. Not only does it allow one to know that their partner is comfortable with the interaction, it lets both partners clearly express what they want. Consent does not have to be something that "ruins the mood." In fact, clear and enthusiastic consent can actually enhance sexual interactions. Not only does it allow one to know that their partner is comfortable with the interaction, it lets both partners clearly express what they want. Consent is specific. Just because someone consents to one set of actions and activities does not mean consent has been given to any other sexual act. Similarly, if a partner has given consent in the past to sexual activity this does not apply to current or future interactions. Consent can be initially given and later withdrawn. Just because someone consents to one set of actions and activities does not mean consent has been given to any other sexual act. Similarly, if a partner has given consent in the past to sexual activity this does not apply to current or future interactions. Consent can be initially given and later withdrawn. Establishing consent Remember that sex without consent is sexual assault. When establishing consent be aware of the following: Ask for consent. Don’t assume a partner is OK with what you want to do, always ask them. Be direct. If you are unsure that you have their consent, ask again. Don’t assume a partner is OK with what you want to do, always ask them. Be direct. If you are unsure that you have their consent, ask again. Communicate. Don’t be afraid to talk about sex and communicate your boundaries, wants and needs. Encourage your partner to do the same. Don’t be afraid to talk about sex and communicate your boundaries, wants and needs. Encourage your partner to do the same. Don’t mix drugs and/or alcohol with sex. Intoxication impairs decision making and can make it impossible to gain someone’s legal consent. Mixing drugs and/or alcohol with sex can lead to risky behavior such as unsafe sex. Intoxication impairs decision making and can make it impossible to gain someone’s legal consent. Mixing drugs and/or alcohol with sex can lead to risky behavior such as unsafe sex. Make it fun. Consent does not have to be something that interrupts sex; it can be a part of sex. Checking in with your partner throughout sexual experiences can be a great way to build intimacy and understand your partner’s needs. It can help partners create a healthy and satisfying sex life. Consent does not have to be something that interrupts sex; it can be a part of sex. Checking in with your partner throughout sexual experiences can be a great way to build intimacy and understand your partner’s needs. It can help partners create a healthy and satisfying sex life. Resources Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s Stimulate Conversation Campaign www.whynotask.org The Consensual Project www.theconsensualproject.com Consent is Sexy www.consentissexy.org The Line Campaign http://whereisyourline.org National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) www.nsvrc.org 123 North Enola Drive, Enola, PA 17025 ; Phone 877-739-3895 resources@nsvrc.org
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