12.1 Defining Sexual Violence and Consent

Sexual violence and consent are crucial topics in understanding human sexuality. From unwanted touching to rape, sexual violence takes many forms and can occur in various settings. Consent, on the other hand, is about voluntary agreement and requires clear communication.

Understanding these concepts is essential for healthy relationships and personal safety. Consent must be active, ongoing, and can be withdrawn at any time. Factors like age, mental capacity, and substance use can affect one's ability to give consent.

Types of Sexual Violence

Understanding Sexual Violence and Harassment

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Top images from around the web for Understanding Sexual Violence and Harassment

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  Progressive Charlestown: Sexual harassment bills introduced in House View original

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  Consent & Sexual Violence: Training and Facilitation Guide – Simple Book Publishing View original

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  Sexual Violence: Key Concepts and Facilitation Strategies – Active Bystander Intervention ... View original

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  Progressive Charlestown: Sexual harassment bills introduced in House View original

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  Consent & Sexual Violence: Training and Facilitation Guide – Simple Book Publishing View original

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• Sexual violence encompasses any sexual act committed against someone without freely given consent
• Sexual violence includes a wide range of behaviors from unwanted touching to rape
• Sexual harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
• Sexual harassment can occur in various settings (workplace, educational institutions, public spaces)
• Quid pro quo harassment occurs when job benefits are tied to sexual favors
• Hostile environment harassment creates an intimidating or offensive environment through pervasive sexual conduct

Defining Sexual Assault and Rape

• Sexual assault refers to any form of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent
• Sexual assault includes fondling, attempted rape, and forced sexual acts
• Rape specifically involves penetration, no matter how slight, without consent
• Rape can occur through physical force, coercion, or when the victim is incapacitated
• Statutory rape involves sexual activity with a person below the age of consent
• Marital rape occurs when a spouse forces sexual acts without consent
• Drug-facilitated sexual assault involves using drugs or alcohol to incapacitate a victim

Consent Fundamentals

Defining and Understanding Consent

• Consent means voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity
• Affirmative consent requires clear, knowing, and voluntary agreement to engage in specific sexual activity
• Consent must be active and ongoing throughout any sexual encounter
• Silence or lack of resistance does not imply consent
• Past consent to sexual activity does not imply future consent
• Consent can be withdrawn at any time during sexual activity
• Consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms

Capacity and Limitations of Consent

• Capacity to consent requires being of legal age, mentally capable, and not incapacitated
• Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol may lack the capacity to give consent
• People with certain cognitive disabilities may not have the capacity to consent
• Minors below the age of consent cannot legally give consent to sexual activity
• Coercion invalidates consent and involves pressuring someone to engage in sexual activity
• Coercion can include threats, intimidation, or emotional manipulation
• Power imbalances (teacher-student, boss-employee) can impact the ability to freely give consent