TRIGGER WARNING!
The content of this article is sensitive and may trigger some viewers. The following contains discussions of sexual assault/related topics. Viewer discretion is advised if you would like to proceed.
by Lindsey Greer
As many know, or may not know, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. There are various topics that can be discussed to help prevent sexual assault and to help people understand the complexities of it. For previous generations, one thing that was not clearly defined or discussed enough was the concept of consent. When consent is not clearly understood, it can lead to situations where sexual assault occurs even if that was not the intent of the situation. I have experience with this situation. Sexual Assault wasn’t the intention, but I had said “No” and it was far from respected. Consent is a major key in sexual assault prevention.
Consent is when the participants that are going to engage in sexual activities have agreed to participate or engage. Consent is given before and during or better yet, every step of the way. Both people should have been able to say yes freely and clearly, it should never be “implied.” This means that how you’re dressed, flirting, have previously had a relationship or hooked up before does not mean that a person is giving a “blanket consent” for sex. Silence is not giving consent. If a person is heavily under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may not be able to give clear consent. A person should never just assume that they have consent. There should also be excitement or enthusiasm to saying “yes.” If you’re saying yes because you feel obligated to, that’s not you into it or happy about it. You should be happy to be in the situation, otherwise you’re not actually giving consent. You’re giving in to get someone to leave you alone or make them happy regardless of your own self. You are your top priority. Getting consent is entirely about communicating with your partner before engaging and during.
During sexual activity, consent seeking should still be occurring. This can look like being asked what’s okay, if you’re comfortable, if you’d like to stop, etc. Like I said before, consent is about communication every step of the way. You have every right to change your mind during. It is reversible. Just because you are in the heat of the moment, if a person begins to get uncomfortable with anything they have the final say of what they do and do not do with their bodies. No can be said at any time and that should be respected. When it isn’t is when it is sexual assault. You can be in a situation where you were enthusiastic to be where you are, but something started that made you uncomfortable or you don’t like you have every right to stop it. It should stop immediately.
There is so much to know about consent and many never even realize this. There are a lot of complexities to sexual assault that people should learn and teach others to help spread awareness to stop these crimes. Below are a few good websites that have great information about consent and about sexual assault.
Planned Parenthood- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/relationships/sexual-consent
RAINN- https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent
Love Is Respect- https://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/what-consent-does-and-doesnt-look-like/