Retraumatization / retraumatisation

consent / consentement

Our glossary begins with consent. (It seemed like an obvious choice.) Adopting the historical approach, I come across a report citing judicial hearings in the United States that established “informed consent” legally in the context of patient autonomy. I think about how we’re bringing it up for Consent Awareness Week in response to SGBV on campus. And I’m also drafting “consent forms” for our next big event to make sure it’s OK to take photos of the students attending OUSA’s Fall General Assembly. The thing is, we negotiate consent all the time, at varying levels, and with different consequences, as we come across one another and make decisions about our bodies and our lives. Access to consent –the right you and I have to say yes, or no – can be seen as integral to our sense of autonomy and self-determination, and, in no light terms, to our humanity. In the context of CAW, it is important to note that any type of sexual activity without consent is sexualized violence. Consent is meant to be voluntarily given by all parties, as well as informed, ongoing, enthusiastic, withdrawn at any time, specific, and required before each interaction – sexual or otherwise.

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