Consent

What is Consent?

Consent is defined as the voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. In other words, you must actively and willingly give consent to sexual activity. Any type of sexual activity without consent is sexual assault.

Consent:

  • should never be assumed or implied
  • is not silence or the absence of “no”
  • cannot be given if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, or unconscious
  • can never be obtained through threats or coercion
  • can be withdrawn at any time
  • cannot be given if the perpetrator abuses a position of trust, power or authority
  • cannot be given by anyone other than the person participating in the sexual activity (e.g. your parent, brother or sister, girlfriend or boyfriend, spouse, friend etc., cannot consent for you or on your behalf).

The best way to ensure both parties are comfortable with any sexual activity is to talk about it. Ask questions to make sure your partner is comfortable like “Is this okay?”, “how are you feeling?”.

Stop when you are asked or told to stop and respect the answer right away. Verbally saying “no” is not the only way for someone to tell you to stop, look for gestures and body language that indicate someone is not willing to participate.

Consent to one activity, one time, does not mean consent to another or to a set of actions, respect someone’s boundaries if they don’t want to participate.

Making a Complaint

Individuals who have experienced sexual violence are under no obligation to file a formal complaint in order to access on‐campus supports or resources including accommodations for academics (students), or to be referred to off‐campus supports and resources. If allegations are being made against a member of the College community, individuals may file an informal report or a formal complaint that will result in an investigation. All reports/complaints remain confidential, and all efforts will be made to ensure the survivor controls the process.


Informal or formal complaints may be submitted in person with the Associate Dean, Learning Resources Division (Shuniah Room 153) or online.