In June 2016, a sexual assault case involving two college age students made national news. Many of us will remember hearing about the assault that took place on the Stanford campus which involved an unconscious victim. This horrifying incident opened a widespread public conversation regarding consent.
Haven continued the conversation on the NEO campus this week during an outreach event in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Please join our efforts. Be informed and keep the conversation regarding consent active!
What is consent?
- Affirmative consent: Did the person express overt actions or words indicating agreement for sexual acts? A person’s silence, lack of resistance, way of dress or previous sexual activity should not be considered consent.
- Freely given consent: Was the consent offered of the person’s own free will, without being induced by fraud, coercion, violence, or threat of violence?
- Capacity to consent: Did the individual have the capacity, or legal ability, to consent?
- Age: Is the person at or above the age of consent for that state? In Oklahoma, the age of consent is 16 which means it is illegal for a minor who is 15 years old or younger to have consensual sex with an adult who is at least 18 years old.
- Developmental disability: Does the person have a developmental disability or other form of mental incapacitation, such as a traumatic brain injury?
- Intoxication: Was the person intoxicated? Alcohol consumption or use of other drugs can render a person incapable of giving consent. Alcohol is often used as a weapon to target individuals and is used by perpetrators to excuse their own actions. It is important to remember that sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault, regardless of whether they may have been intoxicated.
- Physical disability: Does the person have a physical disability, incapacity, or other form of helplessness?
- Relationship of victim/perpetrator: Was the alleged perpetrator in a position of authority, such as such as a teacher or coach?
- Unconsciousness: Was the person sleeping, sedated, strangulated, or suffering from physical trauma?
- Vulnerable adults: Is the person considered a vulnerable adult, such as an elderly or ill person? Is this adult dependent on others for care?
Full article:
Stanford News Story:
HAVEN Advocates are here to help!
