Get Informed
“Consent” means a knowing, voluntary, and affirmatively communicated willingness to participate in a particular sexual activity or behavior. Only a person who has the ability and capacity to exercise free will and make a rational, reasonable judgment can give Consent. Consent may be expressed either by words and/or actions, as long as those words and/or actions create a mutually understandable agreement to engage in specific sexual activity. It is the responsibility of the person who wants to engage in sexual activity to ensure that the person has Consent from the other party, and that the other party is capable of providing Consent.
- Lack of protest or resistance is not Consent. Nor may silence, in and of itself, be interpreted as Consent.
- Previous relationships, including past sexual relationships, do not imply Consent to future sexual acts.
- Consent to one form of sexual activity cannot automatically imply Consent to other forms of sexual activity.
- Consent must be present throughout sexual activity and may be withdrawn at any time. If there is confusion as to whether there is Consent or whether prior Consent has been withdrawn, it is essential that the participants stop the activity until the confusion is resolved.
- Consent cannot be obtained by use of physical force or Sexual Coercion.
- An individual who is Incapacitated is unable to give Consent.
More information on Consent and other terms are found in the University of Maryland Policy and Procedures on Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct.
CARE to Stop Violence Educational Materials
Preventing and Responding to Power-Based Violence
This guide, created by the University Health Center's Campus Advocates Respond and Educate (CARE) to Stop Violence Office, is intended to help students, faculty and staff learn about sexual and relationship violence, identify effective strategies for responding to a disclosure of violence, and become familiar with campus prevention and response resources.
This event planning guide was developed by Campus Advocates Respond and Educate (CARE) to Stop Violence to assist you with planning and hosting successful, trauma-informed events and programs related to sexual & relationship violence.
CARE to Stop Violence Newsletter and Materials
The CARE newsletter acts as a clearinghouse for announcements and information about CARE programs, upcoming events, bystander intervention, responding to disclosures, and more information about power-based violence prevention and response. The newsletter is distributed 1-2x per semester. Sign up for the newsletter at: go.umd.edu/CARENewsletter
View other CARE materials, available education workshops, and clinical resources at: health.umd.edu/CARE