Consent and Respect
Here are a few statistics from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to think about:
An estimated 20–25% of students experience sexual assault in college. That is approximately
1 in 4 people. Estimated by reports only, it could be even higher.
90% know the person who assaulted them.
3–6% of those assaulted are male.
To prevent situations from turning out negatively, it is important to understand two
elements:
Consent and respect.
What is consent?
Sexual activity requires consent, which is defined as voluntary, positive agreement
between the participants to engage in specific sexual activity.2
Communicating Consent = YES, MEANS YES! No means NO, MEANS NO!
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Consent to sexual activity can be communicated in a variety of ways, but one should
presume that consent has not been given in the absence of clear, positive agreement.2 -
While verbal consent is not an absolute requirement for consensual sexual activity,
verbal communication prior to engaging in sex helps to clarify consent.2 -
Communicating verbally before engaging in sexual activity is imperative. However potentially
awkward it may seem, talking about your own and your partner’s sexual desires, needs,
and limitations provides a basis for a positive experience.2 -
Consent must be clear and definite for each participant at every stage of a sexual
encounter. The absence of “no” should not be understood to mean there is consent.2 -
A prior relationship does not indicate consent to future activity.2
Q: If someone has been drinking or under the influence of drugs, can they give consent?
A:NO! A person who is asleep, mentally, or physically incapacitated, either through the
effect of drugs or alcohol or for any other reason, is not capable of giving valid
consent.
The use of alcohol or drugs may seriously interfere with the participants’ judgment
about whether consent has been sought and given. At all stages of sexual contact,
you must have clear consent.
How to Respect?
Respect is the courteous regard for one’s own or another person’s decisions. If someone
does not want to or is apprehensive about giving consent to have sexual relations, you are to respect that person’s wishes.
Not doing so may be considered a violation and a crime.
We encourage any member of the Southeastern Louisiana University community who experiences
any form of sexual misconduct to contact the Title IX Office regardless of when or where the act occurred. You can be connected to valuable resources
that assist you in recovering from an experience and in deciding what options may
be available, such as on-campus counseling, the student conduct process, the criminal
justice system, or civil courts.
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If violations occur and you or any other member of the University community would
like to file a complaint please REPORT IT! -
If you ever feel unsafe or threatened at this university, immediately call our university
police department at 985.549.2222. Blue Phones are available around campus for emergency
situations.
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Counseling is available for all students at Southeastern at no cost. If you would
like to speak to a counseling professional about a situation, you may call 985.549.3894
to schedule an appointment. - Download the LION SAFE App!
Additional Violence Prevention Information
1 National Sexual Violence Resource Center– (NSVRC.org)
2Adapted from Northwestern University–Defining Sexual Assault and Consent, http://www.northwestern.edu/womencenter/issues-information/sexual-assault/defining-sexual-assault.html