UC Women’s Center Statement on Consent for University of Cincinnati Campus Community 

The UC Women’s Center supports this definition of consent, as understood by the legal systems of Ohio, for the University of Cincinnati.  It is our hope that by bringing increased awareness to the act of consent, a conversation can be fostered within our campus community about healthy relationships and sexual violence. Consent is a major issue in defining what constitutes sexual assault, particularly when two people know each other.

What is consent?        
Consent is legally defined as verbal expression of a person’s willingness to participate in an act or event. Consent can be withdrawn at any time during an act or event. In Ohio, consent can only be legally given if you are conscious and sober.

So what does that mean?        
Obtaining consent means that:  

·         Both you and your partner are fully conscious and unimpaired by alcohol or other substances.

·         Both you and your partner are free to act and understand there will not be negative consequences for saying no. 

·         Both you and your partner have positively and clearly communicated your intent.

·         Both you and your partner are positive and sincere in your desires.

Physical resistance is not necessary in order to prove non-consent. Legally, intoxication is not a defense against sexual assault. If a person has been drinking to the point where one's ability to consent is impaired, then non-consent is assumed.           

More information on consent, sexual assault, and reporting of offenses is available on the UC Women’s Center Website at www.uc.edu/ucwc/sexual_violence/faq  

The UC Women’s Center's mission is to promote equitable and safe environments on campus for women through advocacy, research and education. The Women’s Center has been at the forefront of addressing issues of sexual assault on the campus of University of Cincinnati for 35 years. For more information on consent, sexual assault and resources available to the community through the UC Women’s Center, please visit www.uc.edu/ucwc