Affirmative Consent

Affirmative consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance does    not in and of itself, demonstrate consent. The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender

expression. Consent to any sexual act or prior consensual sexual activity between  or with any party does not necessarily constitute consent to any other sexual act. Consent is required regardless of whether the person initiating the act is under   the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Consent may be initially given but withdrawn at any time. Consent cannot be given when it is the result of any coercion, intimidation, force, or threat of harm. When consent is withdrawn or can no    longer be given, sexual activity must stop. Children under 17 years of age cannot legally consent under New York State law to having sex or sexual contact with an adult (i.e., someone who is 17 years of age or older).

Put simply, sex is something that you participate in, not something that happens to you. Affirmative consent is strictly required by FIT policy.