In the modern age when meeting and communicating with people is easier than ever, people can lose their inhibitions behind a screen and forget what can happen in real life.
Whether it be from dating sites such as OkCupid.com, apps like Tinder, or going on a good old fashioned blind date, you’re are at risk of running into some sketchy people.
When engaging in sexual activities with a partner there are guidelines that show what consent is, and what it is not.
Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP) is a non-profit organization that strives to unite agencies engaged in the elimination of sexual violence.
According to WCSAP’s website, there should be words or conduct that indicates consent. “Body language can be misinterpreted, so always talk prior to action,”
The website states that “freely given consent means that there was no manipulation or coercion compelling an individual to say ‘yes’ when they may want to say ‘no.’”
“Someone who is drunk, drugged, or incapacitated cannot legally give consent,” according to WCSAP’s website. “Consent is the presence of a ‘yes,’ not the absence of a ‘no.’ Thus, if a person does not object
or fight back, this is not an indication of consent.”
Lutheran Community Services is a non-profit human services agency that specializes in rape education, outreach, and prevention.
“College-age people are the most at risk for rape,” said Jenn Davis Neilsen, an advocate for Lutheran Community Services.
“When a rape is reported and the authorities are notified, we can send an advocate to a hospital we work with such as Deaconess, Sacred Heart, Holy Family, or Valley Hospital, to help the victim with making decisions about what to do next,” Neilsen said.
“In Washington we have a constitutional confidentiality right to have an advocate present during any part of a legal process, an advocate cannot testify against you in court, and cannot reveal notes on your case.”
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.
According to Rainn.org about 10 percent of all rape victims are male.