Consent

What is Consent?

Consent is affirmative and voluntary words or actions
Consent is mutually understandable to all parties
Consent is specific to an act and time
Consent is NOT compelled by force, threat, deception or intimidation
Consent cannot be given by someone who cannot understand the situation
Consent cannot be assumed, based on silence or the absence or "no"

Consent

Consent for past acts does not mean consent for future acts
Consent for some sexual activity does not mean consent for all sexual activity
Being in a relationship does not imply consent
Consent can be withdrawn at any point without explanation

Consent cannot be given or received when a person is incapacitated. A person is incapable of consent if they are unable to understand the facts, nature, extent, or implications of the situation. Consent does not exist when the individual initiating the sexual activity knew or should have known of the other person's incapacitation

Incapacitation: A person may be incapable of consent due to

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Being asleep or unconscious

Having a mental disability

Being under the age of consent-pursuant to Indiana Law

Indiana University Key Terms