Consent is Sexy
Bulletin Board & Educational
Program Idea
Source: sexualassault.wsu.edu
Submitted by: Jonathan Scott
Resident Advisor
Washington State University
Consent is Sexy
What is Sexual Consent?
• Consent means at the time of the act there
are actual, very clear, words or physical
conduct indicating freely given agreement to
have sexual intercourse or contact.
• Obtaining consent is an ongoing process of
mutual communication as sex progresses,
regardless of who initiates it.
Consent is Continuous
• Consent is ongoing communication. It occurs
continuously and moment to moment.
• Receiving an indication of interest early in the
evening is not an open invitation for any
sexual contact later.
• Each person should be communicating
consent clearly and effectively either verbally
or physically.
The Nice Way to Say No
• Remember to be N.I.C.E.
– N: Say “NO”, not “maybe” or “later”. Be decisive
so that your partner knows exactly how you feel.
– I: Use an “I” statement to explain. One example
would be “I am not ready to have sex right now”.
– C: If the pressure continues, change the subject.
Ask if your partner saw the game on TV last night,
or say you have to make a phone call.
– E: Have an exit strategy. If you realize you are in a
bad situation. Leave immediately.
Guidelines for Consent
1. Both people are fully conscious. When sexual
activity involves use of alcohol or drugs consent
may not actually be given by one or both
partners. Ask yourself, “Is she/he interested or
intoxicated?”
2. Both people are free to act without the
presence of power differentials or
environmental factors (i.e. having to walk home,
differences in size and strength, coercion, or
position of power/authority).
Guidelines Continued
3. Both people have clearly communicated their
intent. A lack of “no” or non-resistance does
not equal consent. Clear verbal consent is
always best because it is harder to
misunderstand than physical signs.
4. Both people are honest and sincere in their
desires. Don’t intentionally tempt your
partner into sex, that’s not sincere and
honest and they may feel like they were
taken advantage of afterward.
10 Good Reasons to Get Consent
1. Many partners find it sexy that their partner
respects them enough to ask.
2. Sex is better when each partner enjoys what
is happening and no one is being forced to do
something they don’t want to do.
3. Mutual respect (shown by asking for consent)
is the best basis for friendship and intimacy.
4. It prevents misunderstanding and hard
feelings. (Silence is not a yes).
5. Forcing sexual activity violates many state
and federal laws as well as the WSU code of
student conduct. Unwanted touching and
fondling is also considered sexual assault.
6. You won’t be accused of rape.
7. You won’t go to jail.
8. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
9. Imposing your sexual will on someone is not
a healthy relationship and is not intimacy.
10. Why would you want to have sex with
someone who doesn’t like it?
Final Product