Understanding Consent
Ninety percent of survivors will know the person who assaulted them. The first step to preventing sexual assault is understanding consent.
- Consent is an agreement to do the same thing at the same time in the same way.
- Consent is specific.
- Consent for one sexual activity does not mean consent for another, and consent at one time does not imply consent in the future. Being in a relationship with someone does not mean your partner has automatically consented to any sexual activity.
Bottom line, consent is about respecting the bodily autonomy and rights of another person. Consent is required for more than just sexual activity. Consent must also be present when exchanging photos and messages, meeting in person, holding hands, kissing, touching, etc.
Consent must be coherent, freely given, and specific. Consent means talking about sex. Consent is not just the lack of a "no." Consent is an outward demonstration of yes.
For more information on how BYU's Sexual Harassment Policy explains consent visit: