Archive News 2021
Only yes means yes: Understanding sexual consent
Please note: the following article describes hypothetical instances of sexual violence.
For many Vancouver Community College (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, VCC is taking part in the B.C. government’s “...Is NOT Yes” campaign about sexual consent.
Read the B.C. Government announcement: Sex without consent is rape.
What is sexual consent?
In short, sexual consent is a clear and enthusiastic “yes” to sexual activity.
Consent must be freely given. There’s only one way to know for sure if someone has given their consent: if they tell you. Just because someone isn’t saying “no,” does not mean that they are saying “yes.”
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 |
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Learn more at SafeCampusBC.ca.
SafeCampus posters
You may notice these posters on VCC campuses this term:
Help is available
VCC has a strict policy [PDF] and easy-to-understand procedures [PDF] addressing sexual violence. VCC 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
- VCC Human Resources
- Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4627
- Vancouver Community College Faculty Association
- Morneau Shepell - Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
General
- VCC Safety, Security and Risk Management
- VictimLinkBC (1.800.563.0808)
- WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre (604.255.6344)
- Vancouver Rape Relief Society (604.872.8212)
- Ku-us Aboriginal Crisis Line (1.800.588.8717)