| Frequently Asked Questions |
| What is consent? |
| Consent is the coluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Under Canadian law, Consent is deemed not obtained if: |
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| "the complainant is incapable of consenting to the activity i.e. blacked out, impared by alcohol or drugs, unconcious, sleeping", or |
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| "the accused induces the complainant to engage in the activity by abusing a position of trust, power, or authority" or |
| 'the complainant expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to engage in the activity" or |
| "the complainant, having consented to engage in sexual activity, expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to continue to engage in the activity" |
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| Does no ever mean yes? |
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| Some people think that if a person says no, really wants sex but has to be persuaded or that if they have gone to one level that they will have intercourse. These are dangerous assumptions. It is very important for both men and women to be clear about their intentions and limits when it comes to having sex. "No" always means "no". If you mean "yes" say "yes. If someone tells you "no" - stop. |
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| Where can I get help after a sexual assault? |
| For people and places to contact, visit our "Who to Contact If this Happens to You" section |
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| Do I have to report the assault to the police? |
| No, you dont have to report the assault if you don't want to.One thing that you should do is see a doctor to be examined for injuries. You will also be told about the risk of pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted dieases. |
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| How soon do I have to report the assault to the police? |
| There is not a set time limit. However, the sooner the crime is reported the sooner the police will be able to investigate. Evidence will have been destroyed if you wait too long. Also, if the accused says that you made up the assault, an early report adds to your credibility. |
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| What happens when I report the assault? |
| First, a statement will be taken from you. The police will also want a medical report, and to photgraph any injuries you may have sustained.Depending on the circumstances of the crime, the police may want to visit the scene of te crime to collect further evidence. Also, because most sexual assaults are commited by someone close to the victim, the police may be able to question (maybe even arrest) the accused. The police will charge the accused if they have enough evidence. |
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| Go to the second section of F.A.Q. |