Consent

Definition of Consent:
- Freely Given: Consent should not be coerced or forced in any way.
- Reversible: Any person can change their mind at any time about the consent they have given.
- Informed: All parties must have a clear understanding of what they are consenting to.
- Enthusiastic: Consent should be given with excitement and eagerness.
- Specific: Consent applies to each specific action; consent to one act does not imply consent to others.
Source: Planned Parenthood®, "Tea consent" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQbei5JGIT8

Historical Study:
- Study by Kirkpatrick and Kanin (1957) focusing on sexual violence among university women.
- Sample of 291 female students:
  - Over 25% reported aggressive, forceful attempts at sexual intercourse including menacing threats or physical harm.
  - Low reporting rates for such behaviors.
- Sample of 341 male students:
  - 26% admitted to attempting to obtain sexual intercourse that caused distress to the woman.

Empirical Research History:
- Lack of empirical research until the 1970s-1980s; earlier, psychopathology models dominated.
- Psychopathology Model:
  - Sexual violence considered rare.
  - Perpetrators viewed as mentally ill or chemically imbalanced.
  - Treatments suggested included castration, psychotherapy, and other medical interventions.

Despite the discrediting of the psychopathology model, myths about sexual impulses persist.
Dominant idea: Men assault due to uncontrollable sexual desires, thus placing responsibility on women to avoid provoking these desires.
- Contributes to victim-blaming (the notion that victims are at fault for not preventing the assault).
- Cultural norms view male sexual aggressiveness as natural, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
- Shaming and blaming women who experience sexual violence is prevalent; male victims often overlooked.

Women’s Liberation Movement (1970s):
- Established crisis centers, emergency shelters, and hotlines.
- Disproved psychopathology model; found sexual assault prevalent and often committed by known individuals.
- Set the foundation for viewing assault as a matter of power and control rather than sexual desire.
- Advocated for cultural changes towards gender equality as a solution.

Sexual violence understood as a socially constructed phenomenon, shaped by societal norms, cultural contexts, and power dynamics rather than as an inherent characteristic.

Anthropologist Peggy Reeves Sanday (1980s):
- Analyzed 95 band and tribal societies.
- Findings:
  - 47% rape-free societies (e.g., Mbuti Pygmies, Minangkabau).
  - 36% with some incidence of rape (e.g., Ashanti, Gond).
  - 17% rape-prone societies (e.g., Gussi, Mundurucu).
Cultural Patterns: Identified associations between cultural norms and rates of sexual violence.

Rape-Prone Societies:
- Characterized by male dominance, rigid gender roles, and unpunished sexual violence.
- Victims face isolation and blame.
Rape-Free Societies:
- Promote equality, respect, and economic parity among genders.
- Low interpersonal violence and non-aggressive masculinity.
Conclusion: Rape is culturally constructed and reflects societal norms and power structures rather than being a natural occurrence.

Sanday's ethnographic observations of 32 college fraternities.
- Rape-Prone Fraternities:
  - Emphasized masculinity through sexual conquest.
  - Fostered environments of sexual aggression and normalization of coercive behaviors.
- Rape-Free Fraternities:
  - Encouraged respectful relationships and disapproved of coercive behaviors.
  - Valued emotional connections and had diverse social policies.
Rape Culture: Defined as a societal normalization and minimization of sexual violence.

In 2025, five members of the 2018 World Junior Hockey Team were charged with sexually assaulting "E.M." in a hotel.
Complainant's Claim (E.M.):
- Initial consensual interaction turned coercive after intoxication and intimidation by multiple men present.
Defence's Claim:
- Argued E.M. was not coerced, had valid consent, and accused her of regret or embarrassment-induced fabrication.

National attention led to protests and discussions about sexual violence in hockey.
Hockey Canada Initial Response:
- Launched investigations but did not charge individuals until pressures mounted in 2022.
- Settled a civil suit with E.M. for an undisclosed amount.
Scandal and Backlash:
- Revealed misuse of funds for settlements drew public outrage and loss of sponsors.
- Total organizational reform was initiated post-scandal.

Judge ruled in favor of defendants in April-June 2025 due to lack of credible evidence against them.
Public uproar followed regarding consent, accountability, and survivor treatment in legal systems.

Feminist actions and research in the 1970s led to significant studies, including Mary Koss' Sexual Experiences Survey (1985).
Survey Findings:
- 28% of college women reported attempting or actual rape; only 8% of men disclosed perpetration.
Findings contradicted myths about the rarity of sexual assault and highlighted underreporting.

Included 12 questions about sexual encounters without using the term "rape"; highlighted discrepancies between acknowledgment of victimization and actual perceptions.
Common myths influenced respondents' understanding and reporting of their experiences.
- Formulated terms "date rape", "acquaintance rape", and "unacknowledged rape".

Statistics on Reporting:
- Low reporting rates of sexual violence; 34,200 reports in 2021 (18% increase from 2020).
- Many victims indicate multiple reasons for not reporting incidents.
Attrition Pyramid (H. Johnson, 2012):
- $460,000$ estimated sexual assaults annually in Canada as per 2004 survey results.
- Of $15,200$ reported to police, under $50 ext{%}$ lead to charges, with only $25 ext{%}$ resulting in convictions.

About Men:
- Misconceptions about male vulnerability to assault and perpetration.
About Women:
- Beliefs perpetuating the idea that women's behavior leads to assault and that survivors are inherently damaged.

Guidelines for Responding:
- Offer non-judgmental support and allow the survivor to control their narrative.
- Employ affirming language and check in periodically for emotional support.

Definition of Meaningful Consent:
- Understanding personal agency and being informed about the implications of sexual activity.
- Conditions for giving consent include being free from coercion, having the maturity to communicate clearly, and understanding health risks involved.
Barriers to Consent:
- Various societal and personal barriers that impact the informed decision-making process in sexual contexts.