Sexual Violence Prevention and Response

Sexual violence is any sexual activity in which consent is not obtained and freely given. It doesn’t matter if you know the person or not — they could be someone you’re in a relationship with, a friend, a classmate, someone in your residence hall or a stranger.

Types of sexual violence include:

• Unwanted touching
• Dating violence
• Intimate partner violence
• Sexual harassment
• Non-consensual image sharing or "revenge porn"
• Rape
• Relationship abuse
• Stalking

A critical part of every healthy sexual experience is consent. You should always make sure that any sexual activity is consensual. Just because they don’t say “no” does not mean “yes.”

Consent is a knowing, voluntary and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions provide clear permission about a person’s willingness to engage in the sexual activity.

You need consent every time, with everyone.

• Just because someone is silent or doesn’t resist does not mean that they consent to the activity
• Consent cannot be given when it is the result of any coercion, intimidation, force or threat of harm
• Consent cannot be given when someone is incapacitated
• Consent doesn’t vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression
• Just because someone consented to one sexual act (including previous sexual activity with anyone) doesn’t mean they consent to another sexual act
• If the person initiating the act is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, you still need their consent
• Even if someone gives consent initially, they can withdraw it at any time

Navigating consent is a critical skill for interacting with others.  When it comes to sexual intimacy, consent helps you make sure that you and your partners are happy and comfortable. 

Non-consensual sexual activity violates UB policy and is against the law, carrying serious consequences.  Additionally, non-consensual sexual activity can cause significant and lasting emotional and physical impacts.  One of the best ways to determine if someone is okay with any situation, especially a sexual one, is to simply ask them.

If your partner is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, they may not have the capacity to give consent to sexual activity.  For a number of reasons, sex is better, and safer, when sober.  If someone hurts you or takes advantage of you when you’re vulnerable due to using alcohol or other drugs, it is not your fault.