If a survivor did not consent, the act was assault. Consent cannot be obtained if intimidation, coercion, force, threats, fraud, or fear are present. Additionally, consent should be enthusiastic. You are looking for the presence of a “yes,” rather than the absence of a “no.”
Sarah Lawrence College adheres to an affirmative consent standard. Affirmative consent is a knowing, active, voluntary, present, and ongoing mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. It is the responsibility of the person initiating sexual activity to ensure that affirmative consent to that activity, and all sexual acts, has been given.