Title IX

Consent, Safety and Community Care 

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported.

The information below provides guidance on consent, personal safety awareness, and ways to support others. These strategies are options, not requirements. Responsibility for sexual harassment, misconduct or violence always lies with the person who chooses to cause harm.

If you need immediate assistance, please contact 

 

Understanding Consent 

Consent is a clear, voluntary and mutual agreement to participate in a specific activity. 

Consent must be: 

  • Ongoing: Consent can be withdrawn at any point. This means that at any given time during sexual activity, an individual can change their mind. Consent to one thing does not immediately imply consent to any other sexual activity. 
  • Mutual: Both parties must consent to the sexual activity. Do not mistake submission or silence for Affirmative Consent.
  • Freely-given: Consent must be given without pressure, manipulation or coercion. Past relationships, previous sexual activity or silence do not equal consent. 

Consent cannot be given when someone is:

  • Incapacitated due to alcohol or drugs 
  • Asleep or unconscious
  • Pressured, threatened or intimidated

 

Personal Safety and Awareness Strategies 

No one is responsible for preventing violence against themselves. The following suggestions are general safety considerations in reducing risk in various situations. 

When Socializing or Going Out:

  • Go out with people you trust and make a plan to leave together if possible
  • Share your plans with a trusted friend 
  • Arrange transportation in advance
  • Check in with friends during the event 
  • If something feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself if possible
  • Communicate limits to partners, friends, and acquaintances 

Your Options After Harm

If you have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or other forms of misconduct, you have options. The steps below are available to support your safety, well-being, and access to resources. 

  • Immediate Safety: Go to a safe place as soon as possible
  • Preserving Evidence (If You Choose): You can seek medical attention even if you are unsure about reporting. Preserving evidence is your choice and does not obligate you to file a report. 
  • Reporting Options: You may choose to report the incident to UPD, local law enforcement, or Title IX/DHR. Please remember you are not required to file a formal complaint to Title IX/DHR in order to receive supportive measures 
  • Confidential Support: Confidential advocates can help you understand your options and provide emotional support without requiring you to make a formal report 
  • Reach out for Personal Support: Call a trusted friend or family member for support; you do not have to go through this alone.

Please remember that you are not at fault. You did not cause the abuse to occur, and you are not responsible for someone else's violent or harmful behavior. Responsibility lies solely with the person who chose to cause harm. 

 

LGBTQ+ Community Considerations 

Members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as individuals who experience same-sex assault, may face unique barriers when seeking support after sexual violence. 

These can include:

  • Feeling pressured to "out" themselves or the person who harmed them
  • Being asked to repeatedly explain or justify what happened
  • Fear that the assault will be minimized or not viewed as “real”
  • Fear of being blamed or perceived as “deserving” the harm
  • Concern about being mistakenly perceived as the assailant
  • Worry about reinforcing harmful stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community
  • Fear of division within a local LGBTQ+ community if others “take sides”
  • Concerns about homophobia or bias from medical or legal professionals
  • Anxiety about intrusive questions regarding sexual orientation or gender identity

These concerns are real and valid. No one should face additional barriers to support because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

There are resources available on the CSUMB campus and within the local community to support healing and recovery.