Hooking Up

Sexuality and love can be different things.

Cameron Diaz

What is Consent?

Consent is about communication and respect.

Consent is agreement or permission expressed through affirmative, voluntary words or actions that are mutually understandable to all parties involved, to engage in a specific sexual act at a specific time:

  • Consent can be withdrawn at any time, as long as it is clearly communicated.
  • Consent cannot be coerced or compelled by force, threat, deception or intimidation.
  • Consent cannot be given by someone who is incapacitated, as defined below.
  • Consent cannot be assumed based on silence, the absence of “no” or “stop”, the existence of a prior or current relationship, or prior sexual activity.

Can a person who is incapaciated give consent?

A person is incapable of consent if they are unable to understand the facts, nature, extent, or implications of the situation due to drugs, alcohol, a mental disability, being asleep or unconscious, or based on their age (pursuant to Indiana law).

Consent does not exist when the individual initiating sexual activity knew or should have known of the other person’s incapacitation

Can I get in trouble if I hooked up with someone who was drunk?

YES.

Hooking up with someone who is too intoxicated to give consent is putting yourself at risk of being charged with sexual assault both on campus and in Monroe County.  The Office of Student Conduct and the Monroe County Prosecutor's Office respond to situations and have different levels of accountability based on univeristy policies and state laws.  Visit their respective websites or contact their offices to learn more.

The consequences are extreme; don’t take the chance.  Want to better understand consent and Indiana University’s sexual misconduct process?  Visit stopsexualviolence.iu.edu.

  • What We Know

    While there is nothing casual about sex, “casual sex,” or sex outside a committed relationship, is not uncommon, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

    Some students use different types of sexual encounters as a way to explore their sexuality.

  • What Can We Do?

    When engaging in sexual activity

    • Ask for consent and make sure you have it. Silence or someone saying “no” at any point is not consent. Continue to ask for consent when hooking up.
    • Use condoms. Condoms protect against STI’s and unwanted pregnancies. Don’t get burned by sex.
    • Know your status. Get tested for STI’s and HIV and encourage your partner to do the same. Don’t be afraid to have an open conversation and talk about it.
    • If you test positive for an STI, tell your partners.
  • Take Action

    Be a Hoosier. Talk to your friend. See you if can help or encourage your friend to seek out resources.