RESPECT Brings Campus Groups Together to Talk Consent

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – RESPECT, the multi-award winning peer education program that raises awareness about sexual assault prevention and advocacy at the University of Arkansas, is hosting a Consent Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge.

One of the most common forms of sexual assault is alcohol-facilitated — nearly 90 percent of all college sexual assaults involve some sort of decision-altering substance — according to the 2007 Campus Sexual Assault survey.

The Consent Fair, which brings together several campus groups, provides an opportunity for the campus community to learn and discuss the importance of having clear, fully-conscious consent during sexual activities. Groups participating in the fair include:

• Associated Student Government
• Graduate Student Congress
• No Woman Left Behind
• U of A Title IX Office
• Greek Life

The fair will also serve as a launch platform for a new campaign by RESPECT titled, My Cup Is NOT My Consent. This new campaign reinforces the significance of having clear and fully conscious consent during sex, and aims to reduce the number of alcohol-facilitated sexual assault incidents that occur.

"The 'My Cup is NOT My Consent' campaign is an education program that fosters sexual assault prevention through a social-norming approach, said Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, director of STAR Central at the Pat Walker Health Center and RESPECT advisor. "We are using the iconic 'red party cup' to shift the way students think about sexual consent and alcohol, and reaffirm that just because someone is drinking, doesn't necessarily imply consent."

When it comes to sexual activities, consent is the most important element to have. Consent in it's basic definition, is an agreement to do something; but as it pertains to sexual activity, consent must be:

• Explicit and mutual
• Conscious and non-coerced
• Can be withdrawn at anytime

"Consent happens with clear, mindful talking. It should never be assumed, and it is certainly not found in a cup," said Wyandt-Hiebert.

For more information about RESPECT's new campaign, go to respect.uark.edu, or stop by the Consent Fair Tuesday, Nov. 8.

About STAR Central: STAR Central, an office in the Pat Walker Health Center's Wellness & Health Promotion Department, provides Support, Training, Advocacy and Resources on Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence. Developed in 1998, STAR Central addresses the issues of sexual assault and relationship violence through the provision of awareness campaigns, education programs, and victim advocacy services.

About RESPECT: RESPECT (Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought) is a group of certified peer educators who address sexual assault issues through presentations and interactive events on campus. They help other students understand the issues surrounding sexual assault, relationship violence, as well as risk reduction and prevention.