Sexual Violence Prevention
Sex without consent is rape.
Consent is when all adult parties verbally agree to participate in a sexual act. All parties must:
- share an understanding of the act to which they are consenting
- share a cultural knowledge about the meaning of the act for which they are giving consent
- offer consent freely, without coercion, force or manipulation
- be fully mentally capable of offering consent
- know that they can offer consent and still maintain the option to change their mind at any given point and still be treated respectfully
Sometimes it is very difficult to know when consent is being given. It is possible that one of the parties may not feel safe enough to say "no" clearly. Sometimes the signals are there, but they are ignored.
Some people think that "it ruins the moment" to ask aloud if what is happening is okay. By using clear words, the person asking creates a safe and comfortable space (which is the only space for sexual expression). It shows that all parties are respected and valued.
Remember to stop, ask, and clarify. The difference could mean rape.
Resources
- Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
- Intimate Partner Violence Support
- Stalking Resource Center
- Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, and Substance Use Guide
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Campus Safety
- Student Conduct
- Campus Awareness, Referral, and Education Team
- Hotlines:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Deaf & Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889
- Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- Los Robles Hospital Emergency Room: (805) 497-2727
- Centers for Disease Control: (800) 232-4636
- National Sexual Assault / Rape Hotline: (800) 656-4673
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
- For faculty and staff