More than 200,000 people are sexually assaulted every year in the U.S. That’s about one person every two minutes. By the time you finish reading this letter, another person has become a survivor. This is why talking about sexual consent — the opposite of sexual assault — is so important.
Dr. Harry Brod makes a great point in his film “Asking for It: The Ethics and Erotics of Sexual Consent.” Sexual consent, he says, is like the right of way on the road: “It’s not something you have. It’s something the other person gives you. And if they don’t give it to you, you don’t have it, no matter what you think the rules are supposed to be, or what you think you’re entitled to.” @@http://mensantiviolencecouncil.com/2010/08/19/asking-for-it-the-ethics-and-erotics-of-sexual-consent/@@
The absence of a “no” or cues based on body language should not be enough evidence for interpreting a “yes.” Sexual assault is a crime that deeply damages not only survivors but also their families and friends, and therefore it should be taken very seriously. Please make sure you get an enthusiastic yes. Sex is way better when you know your partner really wants to be doing what you are doing.
Cecilia Escobedo @@http://www.uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Cecilia*Escobedo@@
University student