Consent is nonnegotiable. Learn what consent looks like, what it doesn’t, and how to respect boundaries, recognize concerning situations and support one another.

You probably hear the word consent often, but what does it mean exactly?

Preventing sexual harm requires more than understanding the definition of consent. It means putting that understanding into practice, recognizing concerning behavior and taking responsibility for how we treat one another. Responsibility for sexual assault always rests with the person who commits it, regardless of the circumstances.

• Consent is clear, voluntary and informed. Everyone involved must agree to a specific sexual activity. 
• Consent must be freely given. It can never be assumed, coerced or obtained through pressure, manipulation or intimidation.  
• Consent must be ongoing. Anyone can change their mind and withdraw consent at any time, even after sexual activity has begun.
• Consent isn’t automatic. Agreeing to something in the past doesn’t mean agreeing to it now or in the future.
• Consent requires recognizing when someone may feel pressured to agree. Differences in power, persistent pressure or fear of consequences can affect someone's ability to make a free and voluntary choice. An agreement is not freely given when someone feels coerced or intimidated.

Consent is not 

• Silence or the absence of a no. 
• Assuming a person is willing because they’ve consented to sexual activity in the past.
• Assuming someone can consent when they are unable to make a knowing and voluntary decision, whether due to intoxication, incapacitation or other circumstances. A person who is incapacitated cannot consent, and it is important to recognize when someone is unable to make or communicate a voluntary decision.

The bottom line is if you’re unsure whether you have consent, then you don’t have it. Stop what you’re doing, ask your partner before moving forward, wait for their response and respect their decision. 

Support is here when you need it

If you have experienced sexual assault, please know that Temple is here to support you. You deserve to be heard, and no matter what happened, an assault is not your fault. 

Be aware that Temple’s medical amnesty policy states that no student will be subject to university discipline for seeking medical treatment for the effects of drug or alcohol use, and this amnesty applies to both the intoxicated student and the student seeking help for an intoxicated student.
 
Additionally, the university has resources to support sexual assault survivors. Anyone can submit an anonymous report at helpline.temple.edu. Remember, you can seek support and learn about your options without having to immediately decide on filing a formal complaint or involving law enforcement. Confidential support is also available.  

If you do decide to report the assault, you can contact Temple Police at 215-204-1234 and police@temple.edu; the Title IX coordinator at 215-204-3283 and titleix@temple.edu; or the Dean of Students Office at 215-204-7188 and dos@temple.edu. 

Respect boundaries, and look out for yourself and each other 

Here are some things to keep in mind when you go out. Please know that responsibility for sexual assault always rests with the person who commits it, regardless of the circumstances.  

• Plan ahead for nights out. Make arrangements for getting home, charge your phone and check in with friends regularly. 
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the people and activity around you and limit distractions that make it harder to notice what’s happening nearby. 
• Plan your route. Whenever possible, use well-lit, well-traveled paths and avoid isolated shortcuts, especially after dark. 
• Walk with others when possible. Travel with friends late at night rather than going alone. 
• Trust your instincts. If a situation or location makes you uncomfortable, move toward a populated, well-lit area and contact someone who can help. 
• Look out for one another. Don’t leave a friend behind. If someone appears to be in a dangerous situation, get help. 

Creating a community where consent is understood and respected takes all of us. At Temple, that means not only educating our community about consent but also ensuring that people know where to turn for support, can access resources without unnecessary barriers and are treated with dignity and respect. Our responsibility is to continue strengthening the culture, practices and systems that support prevention, safety and accountability.