Violence Prevention Information

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The Importance of Consent
Consent for any sexual activity is the centerpiece for preventing sexual coercion and unwanted sexual behavior. Consent can and should be incorporated as an essential and fun part of sexual communication. Likewise, it is a vital component of mutual pleasure and healthy sexuality.

What is Consent?

Consent is voluntary, sober, enthusiastic, creative, wanted, informed, mutual, honest, and verbal agreement.
Consent is an active agreement; Consent cannot be coerced.
Consent is a process, which must be asked for every step of the way; if you want to move to the next level of sexual intimacy, just ask.
Consent is never implied and cannot be assumed, even in the context of a relationship. Just because you are in a relationship does not mean that you have permission to have sex with your partner.
A person who is intoxicated cannot legally give consent. If you’re too drunk to make decisions and communicate with your partner, you’re too drunk to consent.
The absence of a “no” doesn’t mean “yes.”
Both people should be involved in the decision to have sex.
It is not sexy to have sex without consent.

Why is consent important?

Communication, respect, and honesty make sex and relationships better.
Asking for and obtaining consent shows that you have respect for both yourself and your partner.
Positive views on sex and sexuality are empowering.
It questions traditional views about gender and sexuality.
It eliminates the entitlement that one partner feels over the other. Neither your body nor your sexuality belongs to someone else.
It is normal and healthy for women to expect to be included in the consent process.

Asking for Consent
Show your partner that you respect her/him enough to ask about her/his sexual needs and desires. If you are not accustomed to communicating with your partner about sex and sexual activity, the first few times may feel awkward. But, practice makes perfect. Be creative and spontaneous. Don’t give up. The more times you have these conversations with your partner, the more comfortable you will become communicating about sex and sexual activity. Your partner may also find the situation awkward at first, but over time you will both be more secure in yourselves and your relationship.
WHEN? Before you act. It is the responsibility of the person initiating a sex act to obtain clear consent. Whenever you are unsure if consent has been given, ask. Check-in throughout. Giving consent ahead of time does not waive a person’s right to change their mind and say no later.
HOW? Consent is not just about getting a yes or no answer, but about understanding what a partner is feeling. Ask open-ended questions. Listen to and respect your partner’s response, whether you hear yes or no: “I’d really like to…how does that sound?” “How does that feel?” “What would you like to do?”

Before you have sex, ask yourself…
Have I expressed what I want? Do I know what my partner wants? Am I certain that consent has been given? Is my potential partner sober enough to decide whether or not to have sex? Am I sober enough to know that I’ve correctly gauged consent?

Gauging Consent

Red: Signs You Should Stop
You are too intoxicated to gauge or give consent
Your partner is asleep or passed out.
You hope your partner wills ay nothing and go with the flow.
You intend to have sex by any means necessary.

Yellow: Signs You Should Pause and Talk
You are not sure what the other person wants.
You feel like you are getting mixed signals.
You have not talked about what you want to do.
You assume that you will do the same things as before.
Your partner stops or is not responsive.

Green: Keep Communicating
Partners come to a mutual decision about how far to go.
Partners clearly express their comfort with the situation.
You feel comfortable and safe stopping at any time.
Partners are excited!

Check out the following websites for more information on consent, and to view the “Consent is Sexy” campaign:

University of Georgia University Health Center, Health Promotion Department
www.uhs.uga.edu/consent/index.html

Columbia University Health Service’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program
www.health.columbia.edu/docs/services/svprp/consent.html

References:
University of Georgia University Health Center’s Health Promotion Department Consent Campaign
Columbia University Health Service’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program “Consent is Sexy” Campaign
American College Health Association’s Shifting the Paradigm: Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence.

On and Off Campus Resources for Victims of Sexual Offenses

On Campus

University Police (24-hrs emergency)..................................................(619) 594-1991
Student Health Services ................................(619) 594-5281
Counseling & Psychological Services................(619) 594-5220
Women’s Resource Center ....................wrc-sdsu@yahoo.com

SDSU Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities—Complaint Procedure Form:
http://csrr.sdsu.edu/complaint1.html

Campus organizations which provide sexual assault prevention programs:
University Police ...........................................(619) 594-1991
Housing and Residential Life ..........................(619) 594-5742
Student Health Services ................................(619) 594-5281
Counseling & Psychological Services................(619) 594-5220
Women’s Resource Center ............................(619) 594-5281

Off Campus
Center For Community Solutions ...................(888) DV-LINKS (385-4657)
San Diego Police Department..........................(619) 531-2000
San Diego District Attorney Victim Assistance Program.......................................................(619) 531-4041
24 Hour Countywide Crisis Line......................(888) 385-4657
Stalking Hotline.............................................(619) 515-8900
North County Women’s Resource Center (WRC)…….....................................................(760) 757-3500
Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN)….………………............................(800) 656-HOPE (4673)

The University Police will assist our community in notifying or obtaining services from the above and any authorities upon request.

If you become the victim of a sexual assault on or off campus:
• GET to a safe place
• CONTACT the University Police (or your local police if off campus) by dialing 9-1-1
• DO NOT shower, bathe, douche, change or destroy clothing
• DO NOT straighten up the area
• SEEK medical attention
• SEEK emotional support from local Rape Crisis Center

Sexual Assault Response Team (S.A.R.T.)

The sexual assault response team consists of experienced professionals in various disciplines that have also received sexual assault response training and coordinate their expertise to assist victims during the investigation of sexual assaults. For more information phone 619-285-6429.

Counseling & Psychological Services
Counseling services are available to students, staff, and faculty at no cost. The staff consists of professionally trained and licensed counselors, psychologists, and clinical social workers. Counselors are also available for consultations regarding distressed or potentially violent students/employees and can be reached at (619) 594-5220.

PRICE Campaign
http://www.wastedsex.com/
The PRICE (Preventing Rape by Intoxication Through Community Education) Campaign is collaboration between several San Diego community services, universities and organizations aimed at educating the community about rape by intoxication.

Last update: 7/10/09

Violence Prevention Information

On Campus

SDSU Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities—Complaint Procedure Form: http://csrr.sdsu.edu/complaint1.html

SDSU Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities—Complaint Procedure Form:
http://csrr.sdsu.edu/complaint1.html