Consent on campus

Contents
Welcome .................................................................................................................... 2
Which of these situations has consent been given? ............................................... 2
The official definition of consent ............................................................................. 3
Why understanding sexual consent is important .................................................... 3
Difference between sexual assault and rape .......................................................... 4
Consent is... ............................................................................................................ 4
It’s all about the culture ........................................................................................... 4
Myth Busting ........................................................................................................... 5
How to get consent ................................................................................................. 7
What can happen… ................................................................................................ 7
Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 8
Resources .............................................................................................................. 8

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Welcome
Welcome to this mini course on sexual consent. For many of you, coming to
university will be your first experience of living away from home. Becoming a student
is one of the most exciting and rewarding times of your life where you will get to meet
new friends, grow your independence and learn new skills.
We want you to make the most of your time here and enjoy the many social
opportunities of university life safely and with respect for your fellow students. Most
of you will think that this course is not for you; that “no means no” is obvious and that
sexual assaults happen in dark alleys. However, it may surprise you that this is a
growing problem amongst the student population.
In a recent survey of over 2800 students in Cambridge and Edinburgh revealed that
almost 50% of those surveyed had been “groped, pinched or grabbed", a third had
experienced sexual harassment on campus and that over 100 had experienced
"attempted serious sexual assault". The NUS recently reported that 1 in 7 women
had experienced an "attempted serious sexual assault".
We want everyone to be able to enjoy student life safely, so over the next 10 mins
you’ll learn:
• What constitutes consent
• How certain situations and contexts can affect consent
• Myth busting
• How to get consent.

Which of these situations has consent been given?

Before we begin, let’s ask you a question to get you thinking about what consent
means. Select from the options below, the one where you think consent has been
given.
Which of these situations has consent been given?
a. At a social gathering where both parties are intoxicated?
b. At a social gathering where only one of the parties is drunk?
c. On a date that has been solely paid for by one of the parties?
d. During a second date where the couple have already been intimate?
e. None of the above

None of the above is the correct response.

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This was a bit of a trick question as none of the options show consent has been
given. In any context where one of the people has been drinking, they are not in a
position to properly give consent, as their judgement has been impaired.
It is also the case that just because one party has bought the other a meal or drinks
that there is an obligation on the other person to consent to anything further. This
may seem obvious, but there can often be misunderstandings and expectations
based on the idea that the other person has accepted their hospitality that they also
want to move things along further.
Along the same lines, there can also be the assumption that because someone has
‘hooked up’ with the other person before, that they are expected to again on another
occasion.

The official definition of consent

As we can see from the previous question, consent can be mistakenly assumed in a
variety of different contexts despite not being given. So what is the official definition
of consent?
The law in the UK defines consent as being given when someone agrees "by choice,
and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice" (according to The Sexual
Offences Act 2003 and The Sexual Offences Order 2008).
In the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, consent is defined as "free agreement".
Therefore, sexual consent can be defined as - the agreement to engage in sexual
activity with the freedom and capacity to do so.

Why understanding sexual consent is important

Sexual consent can sometimes be misunderstood. Awareness and understanding of
sexual consent has become an increasingly contested issue in recent years,
especially amongst students.
This has led to many educational institutions across the country to try to increase
awareness and education about the issue. By raising awareness of this important
issue, you will be better equipped to build healthy and respectful relationships with
your peers, foster safer campuses and a safer nightlife.
Remember, sexual activity without consent is a crime which not only damages the
life of the victim but will also lead to criminal prosecution.

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Difference between sexual assault and rape
Gaining consent for any sexual activity is important as not doing so will result in
criminal prosecution. The law categorises non-consenting sexual activity in three
different types:
Rape
The penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with a penis without
consent.

Assault by penetration
The penetration of the vagina or anus of another person with a part of their body or
anything else without consent.

Sexual assault
Sexually touching another person without their consent.

Consent is...
Consent is comfortable, voluntary, retractable, respectful of boundaries,
communicative and active. Consent is never pressured, given under the influence,
assumed, given on the basis of previous activities, given by being in a relationship or
gained through deception.

It’s all about the culture

When we hear about rape, we often assume that rape victims are always female.
Whilst it is true that many victims are women, men are also often the victim of sexual
assault.
Sexual assault or rape is a crime that affects all genders. That’s why the message of
this course is aimed at everyone, as a means to highlight some of the behaviours
and attitudes that can result in sex without consent.
Most of us would wonder what factors contribute to unsafe attitudes towards sex.
This is a complex and multifaceted issue, but there are some general observations
that have been seen to contribute towards a ‘rape culture’ which can significantly
increase the likelihood of sexual assault.

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It’s just a joke
Jokes and banter about rape are one way in which rape is trivialised and in some
respects normalised. References to rape in other media such as song lyrics for
example, have the same effect.

The implications
The more that sexual assault and rape are treated as jokes or glorified in pop
culture, the greater the chances of social attitudes shifting towards accepting this
behaviour rather than challenging it. It can also lead to victim blaming.

Victim blaming
Attitudes such as the victim was in the wrong place and the wrong time, or was
dressed provocatively or intoxicated, are ways in which fault is placed at the hands
of the victim rather than the perpetrator. Excuses are sought on behalf of the
perpetrator as a way to explain the event. The result of this victim blaming is that
fewer victims will come forward and seek the help they need for fear of being judged
for the attack.

Myth Busting
Rape is a crime of passion.
a. True
b. False

False. Research and evidence from rapists themselves suggests that most rapes are
premeditated and planned. Interviews with rapists reveal that they rape to feel
powerful and in control, not for sexual pleasure. Many rapists are involved in sexually
satisfying relationships with their partners at the time of the rape.

Most rapes are committed by strangers in dark alleys.

a. True
b. False

False. The majority of rapes are committed by those known to the victim. Date or
acquaintance rape is very common. Victims are often raped in their homes.

If the victim didn’t say no or complain at the time, then it can’t be rape.

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 a. True
b. False

False. Just because the other person is silent or doesn’t complain at the time doesn’t
mean they consented. Often the emotional trauma of rape causes feelings of shame
and guilt which prevents them from commenting at the time.

If you dress provocatively then you’re asking for it.

a. True
b. False

False. People may dress attractively and flirt, this may be for attention and/or
admiration, this is not an invitation for rape. Rape can happen to anyone, regardless
of what they are wearing. Only the rapist is responsible for the rape.

If you get wasted on drink or drugs then you’ve only yourself to blame.
a. True
b. False

False. If a person is intoxicated on either drink or drugs then they cannot give
consent. Likewise, if they have passed out, they cannot give consent.

If the victim didn’t scream or fight, then it wasn’t rape.

a. True
b. False

False. Victims in rape situations are often legitimately afraid of being killed or
seriously injured and so co-operate with the rapist to save their lives. The victim’s
perception of threat influences their behaviour. Rapists use many manipulative
techniques to intimidate and coerce their victims. Victims in a rape situations often
become physically paralysed with terror or shock and are unable to move or fight.
Rape doesn’t always leave visible signs on the body or the genitals.

People cry rape when they regret having sex or to get revenge.
a. True
b. False

False. This is a myth!

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How to get consent
It may feel awkward or feel like it might ‘break the mood’ to ask someone outright if
they consent, but it’s important to remember that the person seeking or initiating sex,
is responsible for getting consent. So here are some tips to help you broach the
subject.

Are they capable of consent?

The first question you need to ask yourself is are they capable of giving consent. If
they are drunk, on drugs, affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or
mental infirmity, they may not able to accurately judge the situation to give their
consent.
The presence of a particular condition does not automatically mean that an adult is
an adult at risk. A person’s abilities can fluctuate and change over time and it is the
whole of a person’s particular circumstances which can combine to make them more
open to harm than others. People should not therefore be subject to ‘once and for all’
categorisation as adults at risk.

Body language
You can confirm if you have consent by checking the other person’s body language
and by asking them. If their body language and facial expression are eager and
comfortable then you’re on the right track.
Check then check again
Every time you start a new type of sexual activity, check with the other person that
they are okay. If there is any doubt, stop.

Silence is not golden

Do not take silence or the absence of a no to indicate consent and remember, a
person has the right to change their mind. If they want to stop even after having
given consent up to that point, then they have every right to.

What can happen…

Remember sex without consent is rape and/or sexual assault. If you are accused of
rape/sexual assault the following will happen.
You will be arrested and questioned by the police.

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Your belongings will be seized and your DNA taken, analysed and added to a
database.
If charged with rape you will appear at Crown Court for trial.
If you are convicted of rape you could be sent to prison. The maximum sentence is
life imprisonment. You would be ordered to sign the sexual offenders register.
After being convicted it may be harder to get a job or a place at an organisation. You
may not be able to travel to some countries. You may also damage or even lose
relationships with friends and family.

Conclusion
Well done on completing this course.
Consent can be an awkward subject to address and we all think that as good people,
we would know how to judge consent and never pressurise another person into a
sexual activity they do not want.
Nevertheless, we hope that you have learned something new about the subject and
dispelled a few assumptions and myths on the subject. You should now be confident
in:
• Defining what consent is and isn’t
• Describing the consequences of non-consent
• Dispelling the myths surrounding rape and how victim blaming can occur.

If you have any questions about the subject, check our resources section for
further information. You may now exit the course.

Resources
Tea and Consent (Video)
Do students need classes on sexual consent?
Domestic Abuse
A quick guide to consent