Understanding consent is critical to recognizing and addressing sexual violence. Consent is defined in the University’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment as:
“The voluntary agreement of an individual to engage in a sexual act. Consent is voluntary, clearly communicated, positive, active, and ongoing, and can be revoked at any time. Consenting to one kind of sexual act does not mean that consent is given for another sexual act or kind of activity. Consent is NOT obtained where a person is incapable of consenting – for example due to intoxication, or where a person is induced to engage in the activity by someone abusing a position of trust, power or authority. It is not a defence to an allegation of Sexual Violence that the Respondent believed, in the absence of Consent that was voluntary, clearly communicated, positive, active, and ongoing, that the Complainant consented to the activity that forms the subject matter in a Report.”
Understanding consent is an important step in creating a culture of consent on campus and in society. A culture of consent is one where communication and consent are the norm. In such a culture, individuals are respected and not objectified, and have autonomy over their bodies. Incidents of sexual violence are not trivialized.
#CheckInForConsent | video series
How do you #CheckInForConsent? In this series we spoke with U of T students about consent, communication, and healthy relationships. These videos were produced as a part of our #CheckInForConsent campaign.
#CheckInForConsent – Conversation with Jahssme and Selena
Jahssme and Selena speaking about their understanding of consent as it relates to their own cultures and social identities.
#CheckInForConsent – Conversation with Ziyan and Somachi
Ziyan and Somachi explore how they communicate consensually in social settings, intimate settings, and beyond.
#CheckInForConsent – Conversation with Nick and Tami
Nick and Tami discuss the importance of consent when using technology in our everyday lives.
Teaching Children, Tweens, and Teens about Consent with Dr. Nadine Thornhill | video series
How do you #CheckInForConsent? In this series we spoke with U of T students about consent, communication, and healthy relationships. These videos were produced as a part of our #CheckInForConsent campaign.
Teaching Children about Consent
In this webinar, Nadine provides some information and advice about how to approach the subject of consent with younger children. Nadine covers topics such as conversation tips, consent, affection and fun, consent and safety, and building an emotional vocabulary.
Teaching Tweens About Consent
In this webinar, Nadine provides some information and advice about how to approach the subject of consent with tweens. Topics include conversation tips, what consent means and how it works, boundaries, media and consent, and modelling consent.
Teaching Teens About Consent
In this webinar, Nadine provides some information and advice about how to approach the subject of consent with teens. Nadine covers conversation tips, authentic consent, practicing authentic consent, consent and the law, media and consent, and how to support your teen if they have been sexually assaulted.
Other consent videos
- Tea Consent (Blue Seat Studios)
- When Someone Isn’t Quite Sure If They Want to Have Sex (Planned Parenthood)
- When Someone Doesn’t Want to Have Sex (Planned Parenthood)
- When Someone Definitely Wants to Have Sex (Planned Parenthood)
Explore the Policy on Sexual Violence & Harassment
Get help in understanding the U of T’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment as it relates to students impacted by or accused of sexual violence.