Baylor College of Medicine defines consent in the following manner:
The clear, knowing, active and voluntary permission by a person of legal age to participate in sexual contact or sexual activity. Consent can be given by words or actions as long as those words or actions create mutually understood clear permission regarding an individual’s willingness to engage in and the conditions of the sexual contact or sexual activity.
Consent is not passive; silence in and of itself cannot be interpreted as consent.
Consent to any one form of sexual contact or sexual activity cannot automatically imply consent to any other forms of sexual activity, and consent in any particular instance may not be inferred solely from consent given in previous instances.
- Consent is based on choice.
- Consent is freely given.
- Consent is not passive.
- Consent is not implied.
- Consent is possible when there is equal power present.
- Consent is possible when you and your partner are of sound mind.
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Even if your partner said Yes earlier.
Individuals who believe they have experienced sex or gender- based harassment may contact the Baylor Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Coordinator for assistance and support.
Baylor College of Medicine strongly encourages the prompt reporting of sexual harassment, sexual violence and intimate partner violence. Find out what you need to know to file a report today.
Learn about how you can help someone who may be dealing with sexual harassment or sexual violence.