It is a violation of the University of Georgia Non-Discrimination Anti-Harassment Policy to engage in any form of sexual activity or conduct involving another person without the consent of the other person.
Consent is defined as: clear words or actions that are knowingly, freely and actively given, indicating permission to engage in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. The absence of no is not a “yes”. Consent cannot be given when physical force, threats or intimidation1, or sexual coercion, is used to obtain consent.
Consent has three important components:
A current or previous intimate relationship is not sufficient to constitute consent. It cannot be implied or assumed, even within the context of a relationship. If consent is not obtained prior to each act of sexual activity (from kissing to intercourse), it is not consensual sex.
Definitions taken from the Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy within the Equal Opportunity Office: eoo.uga.edu/eoo-report
For more information about Georgia state criminal sexual-related offenses, visit: eoo.uga.edu/definitions/definitions-sexual-harassment-terms
Sexual assault can happen to ANYONE, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, social class, ability, religion, or education level. There are actions we can take to reduce the risk of experiencing sexual assault, but the only person who can stop sexual assault completely is the perpetrator.