What is consent?

Consent means freely and voluntarily agreeing to do something at the time it happens. To give consent, you must have the freedom and ability to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’, as you choose.

If someone is unable to offer an enthusiastic ‘yes’ to questions about sexual activity, then you have not obtained consent. A combination of verbal and non-verbal cues, including body language, is needed to obtain consent.

Giving and receiving consent

Whenever you participate in any sexual activity, everyone involved needs to provide their consent.

• Consent is never ambiguous and needs to be communicated openly and clearly, every step of the way.
• Consent should never be assumed.
• Consent needs to be given for each and every sexual activity, every time, with every person.
• Consent should never be assumed based on past sexual activity and can be taken away at any time. Everyone has the right to change their mind. If this happens, you no longer have consent and should stop.

What is not consent

Consent to sexual activity cannot be given by someone who is:

• under the age of 16
• forced, intimidated, tricked or coerced
• intoxicated
• affected by drugs
• asleep or unconscious
• incapable of saying no or unable to understand what they are consenting to.

Engaging in sexual activity with a person in any of these situations is sexual assault.

To speak to someone about consent, we encourage you to contact the Safer Communities Office.

Respect@Sydney module

As part of your studies at the University, all new students are automatically enrolled in the Respect@Sydney: Consent Education module on Canvas. This module aims to help you understand sexual harm and gender-based violence, sexual consent, and how to navigate relationships in a safe and healthy way.

Developed in collaboration with University of Sydney students, professional and academic staff and subject matter experts, the module covers topics such as:

• definitions of sexual harm and gender-based violence
• understanding how power dynamics and intersectionality play a significant role in sexual harm and gender-based violence
• understanding consent
• recognising what constitutes a safe and respectful relationship
• identifying situations where consent can and cannot be given
• how to provide bystander intervention and support
• how to seek support and report sexual harm and gender-based violence.

You are required to complete all modules assigned by the Safer Communities Office. If you haven't completed the required module by the end of the semester, you won't be able to access your unit of study results.

The module should take you about 45 minutes to complete, and you can complete it across multiple sittings. You'll need to score 100% to pass the module.