Consent | Student Health Services | SIU

Consent is a clear, affirmative, unambiguous and freely given agreement to engage in a specific sexual activity. Consent is demonstrated verbally or through actions that clearly indicate a willingness to engage in the specific sexual activity. Consent for a specific activity does not imply consent for any other activity. Use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants does not diminish one's responsibility to obtain consent.

Consent must be knowing and voluntary. To give consent, a person must be awake, of legal age, and have the capacity to reasonably understand the nature of their actions. Consent cannot be given by an individual who is mentally or physically incapacitated through the effect of drugs, alcohol or other intoxicants or for any other reason. Consent cannot be given when it is coerced, forced, or obtained by use of duress, fear, threats, or violence. Consent is not implied by the existence of a prior or current relationship or participation in prior sexual activity. Consent to engage in sexual activity may be withdrawn at any time and is automatically withdrawn by a person who is no longer capable of giving consent.

Resources:

• 1in6: Resources specifically for male victims of rape
• Male Survivor: Resource specifically for male victims of rape
• Men Can Stop Rape: Empowers men to work to prevent rape
• RAINN: Resources and links to regional organizations, sponsored by The Rape Abuse Incest National Network 
• Women's Health: Violence against women resource page, sponsored by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

On Campus Resources: