Project S.A.F.E Research Guide

City Colleges of Chicago defines consent as the following:

• Consent involves explicit communication and mutual approval for the act in which the parties are/were involved. A sexual encounter is considered consensual when individuals willingly and knowingly engage in sexual activity. The use of coercion in instances of sexual assault involves the use of pressure, manipulation, substances, and/or force.

The absence of "No" is not "Yes."

It's also important to remember the 4 C’s of consent: clear, continuous, conscious, coercion-free:

• • Clear: Communication, both verbal and nonverbal, with a partner is crucial. Check-in with your partner about what they like, don’t like, and vice versa to ensure that everyone’s boundaries and needs are respected.
  • Continuous: Consent can be revoked at any time. It’s ok to change your mind or no longer want to engage in an activity.
  • Conscious: Everyone must be fully aware and able to consent. If someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, asleep, unconscious, or otherwise incapacitated, they are unable to give consent
  • Coercion-free: If someone is pressured, manipulated, or feels threatened or unsafe in any way, consent is not present.

Remember, consent is key in any relationship—it means ongoing, voluntary, enthusiastic mutual agreement without pressure or manipulation.