Recognized in April
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time recognized nationally and by UNC to raise awareness, promote prevention, and highlight the resources available at Carolina for members of our community impacted by sexual assault and misconduct.
UNC defines sexual assault as, “having or trying to have Sexual Contact with another individual without Consent.”
Consent is the communication of an affirmative, conscious, informed, and freely made decision by each individual to mutually engage in agreed upon forms of Sexual Contact. Consent requires an outward demonstration, through understandable words or actions, that conveys a clear willingness to engage in Sexual Contact.
Healthy relationships are built on clear communication, mutual respect, and consent. This means recognizing and honoring personal boundaries, including those related to physical and sexual contact. Each of us has a right to consent and the expectation should be our partner seeks and receives our consent before engaging in sexual contact. This also applies to behavior we initiate with others.