不良研究所

Consent

Consent is the voluntary affirmation that someone is in agreement with what is happening and wants to engage in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. It can be verbal or non-verbal. The absence of no does not imply consent. 听Sexual exploration requires a lot of attention to all participants鈥 needs and desires, and is an ongoing process. Consent goes beyond yes and no.听听

Ask, Listen, Respect

The best way to know if consent is present is to ASK. After asking, it is imperative to LISTEN to the response of the person(s) and RESPECT their choice. Know, however, that non-consent is not always communicated as a verbal 鈥淣o.鈥 Non-verbal cues, generally known as body language, include facial expressions, gestures, posture and body movements. If a person is verbally saying 鈥淵es,鈥 but their body language is indicating 鈥淣o,鈥 or discomfort, it is imperative to STOP and CHECK IN with them.

Below are some of the principal body language signals that a person is uncomfortable in a situation, or is not consenting. This list is not exhaustive. Please note that some of these signs of non-consent may not be universal and/or may not apply to every cultural context.

  • Their body is turned away from the person(s) engaging them.
  • They have crossed their arms and/or are displaying otherwise closed-off body language.
  • They are completely still or are not moving much.
  • They are not looking at the person(s) engaging them but around the room or at other people.
  • They are answering the person(s) engaging them in short phrases or are not engaging in conversation with them at all.

These nonverbal cues are an important component of how people communicate with each other. Recognizing nonverbal cues can help you understand the expressed feelings of the person(s) you are engaging.

Note: Many people engage in sexual activity when they have used alcohol and/or drugs. These substances can change the way a person makes decisions and will affect their ability to ASK, LISTEN and RESPECT. A person's own intoxication cannot be used as a defence against failing to get consent. If you are unsure if someone can give their consent, then there is no consent. Sexual Assault is a criminal offence in Canada. Consent in a sexual context between adults is defined in section of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Click here to download a printable handout on consent.

不良研究所 is located on unceded lands which have traditionally served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst diverse indigenous peoples. The Kanien鈥檏eh谩:ka, a founding nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Anishinabeg are recognized as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters on which Tiohti脿:ke/Montr茅al is located. Learn more about the land you鈥檙e on and commit to taking action to support the ongoing resistance and thriving of local Indigenous communities.

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