Sexual consent means that anyone involved in a sexual encounter has willingly agreed to participate.

You have the right to decide if you want to have sex or not. You can agree to some types of sexual contact, like kissing or touching, and not others. You can say yes and then change your mind at any time.

Consent is about communicating openly and honestly with your partner(s) about what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not, and respecting each other’s decisions and boundaries.

Any form of sexual contact without consent is sexual assault.

Did you know that sexual assaults rose by 15% in 2022?

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or sexual orientation.

Unwanted sexual contact can occur in several forms.

Physical Contact

Like touching, kissing, grabbing, pinching, or rubbing against someone.

Intercourse / Penetration

Like forced sexual intercourse, which may include oral, vaginal or anal penetration. Penetration may be with a body part or an object.

Position of Authority

In some instances, sexual contact with someone in a position of power, such as a teacher, coach, or boss.

Other types of behaviour, such as sending sexually explicit messages or pictures through social media, by text, or in person, or exposing oneself, may also be considered a criminal act.

If you’re not sure, ask.

Some Things to Remember About Sexual Consent

  • Not everyone understands consent and some people are uncomfortable setting boundaries, which can sometimes lead to misunderstanding. If you’re unsure if someone wants to have sex, ask them. If they don’t say yes, it’s no.

  • A person may not be able to give consent if they are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.

  • No consent is ever given in situations where a person is unconscious, or unable to understand what is happening, even if they said yes before they were unconscious or in previous encounters.

  • If someone says yes, they still have the right to change their mind at any time.

  • When someone asks you to stop, listen. Not stopping is sexual assault.

  • Do not pressure anyone into doing anything they don’t want to do or are uncomfortable with.

  • Yes means yes. No means no.

Tips for Communicating Consent

Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected. Here are some tips on how to set boundaries, communicate consent, and increase safety for yourself and others:

Speak up and say what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not

Listen to your own feelings and pay attention to others’ feelings

Be aware of your surroundings and the people you’re with

If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable, speak up and get help

If someone says “no” or “stop”, respect their decision

What to Do if You are Sexually Assaulted

The most important thing is to get to a safe place. You can make a police report by calling 911. You can also have a third-party, like a friend or parent, call police for you. You may also choose not to report right away.

Please consider seeking medical help to diagnose and treat any injuries. DNA can also be preserved should you decide to report at a later time.

See the VPD’s Sex Assault web page for more detailed information on your options following a sexual assault.

Support Agencies for Survivors of Sexual Assault

AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre
(604) 822-3475
sasc@ams.ubc.ca

https://amssasc.ca/

Battered Women’s Support Services
(604) 687-1868 or toll free 1 (855) 687-1868
information@bwss.org

https://www.bwss.org/

BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre
(604) 875-2424 or toll-free in BC 1 (888) 300-3088

https://www.bcwomens.ca/

Cyber Tip Online Reporting for Child Exploitation
1 (866) 658-9022

https://www.cybertip.ca/

BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
(604) 682-6482
victimservices@bc-malesurvivors.com

https://bc-malesurvivors.com/

Family Services of Greater Vancouver
(604) 731-4951

https://www.fsgv.ca/

Kids Help Phone
1 (800) 668-6868
bc@kidshelpphone.ca

https://www.kidshelpphone.ca/

Ministry of Children and Family Development
1 (877) 387-7027
mcf.info@gov.bc.ca

http://gov.bc.ca/mcfd

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
1 (800) 843-5678

https://www.missingkids.org/home

Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
(604) 255-6228
24-Hour Crisis and Information Line:
(604) 255-6344 or toll-free: 1 (877) 392-7583
admin@salalsvsc.ca

https://www.salalsvsc.ca/

Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society
(604) 872-6723 or toll-free 1 (877) 982-2377
info@vacfss.com

https://www.vacfss.com/

Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre Society
(604) 678-3790
executivedirector@vacpc.org

https://vacpc.org/

Vancouver and Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services
(604) 436-1025
againstviolence@vlmfss.ca

https://www.vlmfss.ca/

Vancouver Police Department Victim Services
(604) 717-2737
vpd.vsu@vpd.ca

https://vpd.ca/crime-prevention-safety/information-for-victims/

Vancouver Rape Relief & Women’s Shelter
(604) 872-8212
info@rapereliefshelter.bc.ca

https://www.rapereliefshelter.bc.ca/

Victim Link BC
1 (800) 563-0808 or TTY (604) 875-0885
VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc

WISH Drop in Centre Society
(604) 669-WISH (9474)
wishdropincentre@shaw.ca

https://wish-vancouver.net/

Contact the VPD Sex Crimes Unit
(604) 717-2634
scu@vpd.ca

Please note this contact information is not for reporting crime. If you need to make a police report, please call our non-emergency line at 604-717-3321 or 911 for an in-progress or recent crime.

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