Archive News 2021

Posted on September 10, 2021

Only yes means yes: Understanding sexual consent

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Please note: the following article describes hypothetical instances of sexual violence.

For many 羞羞影院 (VCC) students, a new term means new classmates and new relationships. Unfortunately, statistics show that one in eight people who identify as women experience sexual assault on B.C. campuses annually, and two-thirds of on-campus assaults occur during the first eight weeks of school.

This month, to raise awareness about sexual violence and help keep students safe, 羞羞影院is taking part in the B.C. government鈥檚 鈥...Is NOT Yes鈥 campaign about sexual consent. 

Read the B.C. Government announcement: .

What is sexual consent?

In short, sexual consent is a clear and enthusiastic 鈥測es鈥 to sexual activity.

Consent must be freely given. There鈥檚 only one way to know for sure if someone has given their consent: if they tell you. Just because someone isn鈥檛 saying 鈥渘o,鈥 does not mean that they are saying 鈥測es.鈥

Consent must be enthusiastic and informed. Consent also cannot be given by individuals who are underage, intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, asleep, unconscious, or under intimidation or threat. This includes sexual contact by people using a position of authority over you e.g. teachers or bosses.

Consent is reversible. If one partner decides at any time that that they want to stop any sexual activity (even if it has already begun, or happened before), consent is no longer given. Just stop.

Examples of verbal and non-verbal ways of not communicating consent

 Verbal (using words)   Non-verbal 
  • No
  • I鈥檓 not sure
  • Stop
  • I want to, but...
  • That hurts
  • Maybe
  • I love you, but...
  • I don鈥檛 know how I feel about this
  • I don鈥檛 want to do this anymore
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Pushing someone away
  • Avoiding touch
  • Shaking head no
  • Uncomfortable being naked
  • Crying, looking sad or fearful 
  • Turning away from someone
  • Silence
  • Changing the topic


Learn more at . 

SafeCampus posters

You may notice these posters on 羞羞影院campuses this term: 

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Help is available

羞羞影院has a strict policy [PDF] and easy-to-understand procedures [PDF] addressing sexual violence. 羞羞影院employees are obliged to take reports of sexual violence seriously, offer support, and prioritize confidentiality. We recommend contacting the following departments with questions or to report sexual violence:

If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, please call 9-1-1.

For students

For employees

General