Yes Means Yes: Consent Law

Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment, rape, and sexual assault.

Carla Martinez
Dean of Students
Title IX Coordinator
Section 504 Title II Coordinator

(714) 895-8781
cmartinez@gwc.cccd.edu

15744 Goldenwest Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Office: 3rd floor of the LRC (Learning Resources Center)

Title IX: Sexual Harassment and Assault

Yes Means Yes

Together we can make sure that when sex happens it is a positive experience for everyone involved. This positive experience is based upon consent, mutual agreement by both parties involved to every action that occurs along the way. Consent means both of you are ready and willing to share that moment and that both of you have control over what that moment will be like. In other words, both people have to say Yes and to continue to say Yes as the interactions continuethis is what healthy intimacy is all about!

How Do I Know If Its a Yes?

While someone might not always verbally say Yes to sex, there are some basic guidelines to follow to make sure both parties consent:

Consent is informed. Its something you decide to do, not just let happen. Its okay to talk about what youre feeling and what you want to dothats how youll know that you both agree on moving forward.
Consent is voluntary. Its never okay to force someone to have sex, including threatening, intimidating, or pressuring them.
Consent can be taken back. Just because someone agrees to one form of sexual activity doesnt mean she or he is willing to do other forms of sexual activity. Positive sexual activities require both persons to check in with each other along the way and to make sure each new step is okay. Its also okay for someone to change his or her mind and not want to continue a certain form of sexual activity.
Consent is aware. A person cant consent to sex when she or he is incapacitated, such as being drunk, under the influence of drugs, sleeping, or affected by a physical or mental impairment that makes them unable to decide to consent.
Silence does not mean Yes.

Consent Law

In 2014, The State of California enacted Senate Bill 967 setting the standard of affirmative consent for all colleges and universities. Affirmative consent means affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity and is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure that he or she has the affirmative consent of the other or others to engage in the sexual activity. To learn more about this law, click here