Navigating Consent and Support
Consent is a straightforward yet powerful idea. In the simplest terms, it means people fully agree to do something together. Whether you are borrowing your roommate’s computer, sharing personal feelings with a friend or having an intimate moment with your romantic partner, all require consent — everyone involved is on board and feels comfortable with what’s happening.
Consent is a fundamental element and an essential aspect of maintaining a positive connection with another person. It’s the bedrock of all forms of personal and professional relationships, serving as a mutual agreement built on respect and understanding. At the University of Houston, building healthy relationships is not only encouraged but also supported through various campus resources.
“Obtaining clear and enthusiastic consent is crucial for establishing a foundation of trust and respect in a healthy relationship,” emphasized Laura Zavala-Membreno, director of the Women and Gender Resource Center at UH.
Consent promotes open communication, mutual respect and emotional and physical safety by ensuring that those in the relationship, often intimate partners, feel heard and respected in sharing their needs and boundaries, which can have a profound impact on emotional and psychological wellbeing.
“Ultimately, consensual interactions lay the groundwork for reduced anxiety, increased self-esteem, stronger emotional bonds, heightened emotional resilience, and a greater sense of fulfillment in the relationship,” said Zavala-Membreno.
Experts say it is important for individuals to actively engage in creating a culture of consent. Seeking consent reflects respect for autonomy, ensuring all parties feel in control of their experiences. It creates emotional safety, where individuals feel secure expressing themselves without fear of judgment or harm, ultimately strengthening the foundation of trust in the relationship. The University of Houston System offer tips on how navigate giving or getting consent.
“Regardless of the relationship stage, whether new or familiar, maintaining clear communication, respecting boundaries and ensuring mutual understanding, safety and comfort are crucial components for navigating consent and fostering a healthy relationship,” said Zavala-Membreno.
In long-term relationships, consent relies on established communication and evolving boundaries. In new or casual relationships, it requires explicit discussions due to unfamiliarity. In any relationship, consent must be ongoing, freely given, informed and reversible at any time. It is important to note that there are circumstances when a person cannot give effective consent for sexual activity:
“Regardless of the relationship stage, whether new or familiar, maintaining clear communication, respecting boundaries and ensuring mutual understanding, safety and comfort are crucial components for navigating consent and fostering a healthy relationship.”
- Zavala-Membreno
In situations where consent has not been given, pause any activity immediately and assess the situation, paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues that may indicate discomfort.
“Consent is an ongoing process, and it can change at any time; consent to start an activity does not automatically guarantee consent to proceed,” explains Zavala-Membreno.
If you believe your consent has been violated, know that your feelings are valid, and prioritizing your physical and emotional well-being is important. Seek support from trusted friends, family or another confidant. Professional assistance is also available to provide guidance on processing emotions and determining appropriate steps.
There are numerous resources available at the University of Houston to provide assistance. The Women and Gender Resource Center provides confidential Sexual Misconduct Support Services (SMSS) for individuals affected by non-consensual experiences in relationships. The team offers support for sexual assault, harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence. Whether you identify as a victim/survivor or have caused harm, the SMSS team can assist you in processing your experience, exploring options and connecting you to campus and community resources, including counseling, legal aid, financial support and more.
Effective Consent is:
Unambiguous: It involves a mutual understanding of what is agreed upon, ensuring both parties are aware of and approve the activity.
Freely given: It cannot be obtained through coercion, trickery, intimidation, threats, or violence. Non-consensual sexual activity is a violation of University policy and may also be illegal.
Active: Consent can change, so it’s important to seek and confirm consent at each stage of a sexual encounter to avoid misunderstandings or potential harm.
Explicit: Consent cannot be assumed or implied from silence or inaction. It requires an affirmative and enthusiastic "YES!" from all parties involved.
Need Support Now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call CAPS crisis support 24/7 at 713-743-5454, or for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call or text 988, or chat online at 988 Lifeline Chat and Text.
Learn More
For a list of mental health resources available to UH students, faculty and staff, visit the CoogsCARE website.
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