Consent means willingly agreeing to sexual activity while being free and able to make that decision.
Consent cannot be assumed because:
- someone has consented previously;
- people are in a relationship;
- somebody has gone home with another person;
- somebody has accepted a drink;
- somebody has kissed or engaged in other sexual activity;
- somebody has not physically resisted.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
A person cannot consent when they do not have the capacity to make the decision — for example, because they are unconscious or so intoxicated that they cannot make an informed choice.
The University's current personal-safety guidance emphasises that consent must be freely given and must not result from threats, intimidation, coercion or blackmail.
Sex without consent may constitute rape or sexual assault.
If you have experienced sexual violence or misconduct, support is available whether or not you choose to report it to the police.