Sexual Consent Research Articles

The use ‘consent apps’ in sexual encounters and their socio-legal implications: Why we need to know more

Sexual engagement is increasingly mediated by dating applications or ‘apps’. Amongst the growing number of dating apps available are those downloaded to record and store a person’s purported consent to participate in sexual activity. These are commonly known as ‘consent apps’. Ostensibly, ‘consent apps’ are an innovative way to capture the consent of all parties. Yet, they entail a significant risk, largely due to the way they oversimplify consent as a single one-off agreement before a sexual encounter, rather than sexual consent as an agreement that is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any point during a sexual encounter. In terms of their implications in sexual assault proceedings, evidence via consent app data of agreement to sex could potentially be used in ways that are prejudicial to the victim. This conceptual article identifies this topic as an emerging theme in criminology and proposes a pressing need for research to better understand the use of consent apps and their implications.

Sexual Consent Norms in a Sexually Diverse Sample.

Sexual consent has received increased attention in mainstream media, educational, and political settings since the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017. However, long before #MeToo, sexual consent has been a core practice among people who engage in Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism, and Masochism (BDSM). This study examined sexual consent norms among a sexually diverse sample, including people who practice BDSM (n = 116), people who identify with another sexual minority group, such as swingers and sex workers (n = 114), and people who did not identify with a sexual minority group, termed sexual majority group members (n = 158). Explicit consent for both BDSM- and non-BDSM-related activities was rated as more common (descriptively normative) among people who were a member of the BDSM community compared to majority participants. Further, BDSM participants rated consent discussions as less sexually disruptive compared to majority participants. We found no significant group differences in the extent to which people thought sexual consent should be discussed. We also discuss findings from an open-ended question asking participants to recall a recent sexual experience with a new partner. This study demonstrates variability in consent norms between groups and points to the potential to shift sexual consent behaviors among majority participants.

Not Just Non-Consensual Pelvic Exams

Not Just Non-Consensual Pelvic Exams

Tout ce que vous avez toujours voulu savoir sur le sadisme sexuel (sans jamais oser le demander)

Our perception of individuals who engage in sadistic sexual practices has long been influenced by media coverage of highly severe sexual offenses, typically sadistic sexual homicides. Indeed, most people associate sexual sadism with the names of serial sexual murderers such as Ted Bundy or Guy Georges. However, the psychological profile and behaviors of these individuals are in no way representative of the profile of individuals in the general population who practice sadistic sexual activities in a consensual context. In addition from what seems to be a growing number of individuals engaging in consensual sadistic sexual activities, scientific findings (e.g.: population surveys) and certain popular culture successes (e.g.: books) reflect that what have been stigmatized and “deviant” in the past may have been unjustifiably labeled as such. The tremendous success of E. L. James's Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy of erotic novels, which showcases initiation into sexual practices involving several declinations of sadism, bondage and sexual submission, supports this argument. With over 125 million print and electronic copies sold worldwide in 2015, it is in itself an interesting marker of an interest towards sexual sadism within the general population. In this interview with Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Jonathan James, Alexandre Gauthier, Étienne Garant, Ingrid Ménard and Tamsin Higgs present the current state of knowledge on sexual sadism, both in terms of consensual sadistic sexual practices as well as the engagement in coercive and illegal sadistic sexual behaviors.

Comparative study of sexual concentration in the elimination of sexual violence from feminist and Islamic legal theory

Feminist legal theory (FLT) is a critical legal movement in Indonesia. FLT takes issue with laws that prioritize masculine values, which limit social values because the law is dominant towards men and oppresses women. The paradigm of sexual consent was incorporated into Indonesian law as a result of this FLT movement. The focus of this research is how sexual consent affects the elimination of sexual violence from the point of view of feminist legal theory and Islamic law. Is sexual consent in accordance with the norms of Indonesian society and a solution to end sexual violence? This study used normative legal research methods. This research uses the research method of the library institute. Statutory approach (statute view) and comparative approach According to this study, sexual consent in the FLT perspective is sexual activity carried out with consent outside the consent of one party, including rape. Freestyle according to Islamic law may only be performed within the bonds of marriage, but outside of the bonds of marriage, such acts constitute adultery, even if done with consent or voluntarily. Not only is it not in accordance with the customs of Indonesian society, but it also contradicts the principles of Pancasila. Because sexual consent focuses only on "effect resolution" rather than "cause prevention," it does not seem to serve as a solution to stop sexual violence.

“Yes doesn’t always mean yes, but no means no”: Exploring the perceived ambiguities in university students’ experiences of sexual consent

This article aims to explore situations of consent and non-consent in university students to understand regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the perceived ambiguity of students’ experiences of sexual consent. To apprehend these experiences, 37 semi-directed interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis, systemic analysis, and contextualizing analysis. The results illustrate the existence of a dichotomy between students’ knowledge of consent and the practice of consent. This ambiguity appears as an integral part of the act of consent. It was apparent in the students’ understanding, affirming, retracting, and decoding of consent. The authors’ analysis highlights the regulating mechanisms, that is, internal and external injunctions at play in the act of consent. Three injunctive mechanisms were identified: relational injunctions to consent, social injunctions to consent, and men’s unrestricted access to women’s bodies. These injunctive mechanisms act in different manners according to one’s social position, individual characteristics, the type of relationship and the social spaces. By facilitating or hindering consent, they make it a profoundly ambiguous act.

Sexual Violence in Higher Education, Policies in Indonesia and India

The phenomenon of sexual violence in college is a serious concern of the Ministry of Education and Culture, and in order to prevent and handle the occurrence of sexual violence in college, the Minister of Education and Culture Regulation Number 30 Year 2021 concerning Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Higher Education is issued (hereinafter referred to as Permendikbud 30 / 2021) which was promulgated on September 30, 2021. The enactment of Permendikbud 30 / 2021 raises pros and cons in the community such as the enactment of provisions regarding "sexual consent" or "without the consent of the victim" as stated in Article 5 that for several acts that are included the category of harassment if it is carried out with the consent of the victim then it can be justified or not harassment, for example the act of spreading images or photos of victims that have sexual nuances. The Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act came into force in India after what is known as the Nirbhaya case. It makes it compulsory for all higher education institutions to have an internal complaints committee (ICC) to address abuse on campus. But nearly, a report by the Ministry of Education found only 95 out of 188 institutions had established committees, and those that were in place were considered ineffectual by students.This study aims to determine, identify and analyze the position of the Minister of Education and Culture Regulation Number 30 Year 2021 in the material criminal law system in Indonesia; to find out and describe how the implementation of Permendikbud 30 / 2021, especially with regard to aspects of handling sexual violence in universities. Normative juridical research using the approach to legislation and the implementation of the Minister of Education and Culture Regulation must begin with strengthening higher education governance such as the establishment of a task force for the prevention and handling of sexual violence, preparation of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of sexual violence, provision of reporting services, counseling for victims, socialization in college environment.
 Keywords: prevention, treatment, sexual violence, college.

Young Women’s Attitudes and Concerns Regarding Pornography and Their Sexual Experiences: A Qualitative Approach

This study explores female university students’ attitudes toward and concerns about pornography, based on their experience watching it and on sexual encounters with men. It used a qualitative descriptive design. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants between March and April 2020. Thematic data analysis was performed using COREQ reporting guidelines. Three themes emerged from the data: (1) the sexual learning process, (2) the role of pornography in women’s sexuality, and (3) sexual experiences. Participants reported how they learned about sexuality and how pornography influenced sexual experiences. Self-esteem issues and societal norms regarding hair removal and difficulty saying “no” to unwanted or humiliating sexual practices were found. The young women were not comfortable with women’s representations in mainstream pornography. They blamed pornography for negative sexual experiences and claimed it influenced them and young men. Participants usually assumed submissive roles during sex and permitted aggressive sexual behaviors. The study reveals valuable information on how young women learn about sex and their difficulty in refusing unwanted sexual activities and even aggressive practices. Sexual education programs should include assertiveness training to improve sexual health, consent, and well-being.

Sexual Consent and Epistemic Partiality in Rape Fact-Finding

Feminist legal theory has contested rape laws and notions of sexual consent to better reflect the experiences of survivors and address power distortions in legal frameworks that perpetuate women’s subordination. In this paper, I explore an alternative form of criticism to consent-based rape laws and biases within legal systems. I argue that the justifications that are used to select and weigh evidence in rape cases are epistemically suspect because of the unreliability of their epistemic sources. My argument, building on radical realist social analysis in political theory, aims to unveil an epistemic defect in rape evidentiary procedures, which I call epistemic partiality. I suggest that this epistemic defect brings salient reasons to challenge rape laws based on ideals of consent. I hope to show that a radical realist approach may bring reasons to challenge rape laws and flaws in evidentiary systems without the need to centrally agree with or rely on feminist commitments and political goals. This type of criticism may effectively bypass certain limitations of feminist theory and potentially add to discussions focused on power distortions within legal systems.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Italy: results from a pilot activity, April 2023

Abstract Background Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a key strategy to promote adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in school context. However, CSE is not part of Italian school curricula. This study, funded by the Ministry of Health, describes the preliminary results of a CSE pilot activity in upper secondary schools (USS), in 4/20 Italian regions, started in February 2023. Methods The pilot activity has been developed by an interdisciplinary team of academics, public health professionals and civil society organisations (CSOs) with expertise in SRH promotion in schools. It consisted of 5 interventions on the following topics: 1) adolescence and healthy relationships; 2) sexual identity and diversity; 3) sexual consent and contraception; 4) sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention and sexual health services; 5) insights into topics chosen by the students. The evaluation consisted of pre-post tests on knowledge and satisfaction. Results The results refer to preliminary analysis of 551 pre-tests, 443 post-tests and 329 satisfaction questionnaires. Knowledge significantly increased in 13/15 items investigated. Highest increment of correct answers was found in items related to HIV/AIDS treatment (+41.1%) and STIs symptoms (+37.5%). No increment was observed in items asking the meaning of empathy and stereotype. Among the pre/post-test open questions, “What is sexuality?” showed broader texts and less uncertainty in the post-test answers compared to the pre-test (9.1% vs 1.7%). 90% of students appreciated “very much” talking about STIs and 72% liked the possibility to talk to adults other than teachers. Conclusions This study represents one of the first attempts to provide evidence-based data to promote CSE in Italy. Early results reveal short-term positive outcomes (e.g. increased knowledge and decreased uncertainty). However, more data and advocacy are needed to support the introduction of CSE in Italian school curricula. Key messages • Comprehensive sexuality education is fundamental to promote sexual health among young people, especially in school context. • Italy needs to develop and implement a standardised, evidence-based, comprehensive sexuality education intervention to be included in school's curricula.

Contributions of young people in dialogue with scientific evidence on sexual consent

Scientific research increasingly underlines the importance of a community science focus in research. It explains the importance of engaging young people in scientific research and the consequences of this in improving science. However, there is less literature addressing how this dialogue with scientific evidence also influences research participants’ empowerment in seeking concrete solutions and even proposing and/or transforming current interactions they have in different environments. This research aims to shed light on the theory and methodology procedure that enables young people aged 18–25 to be engaged in a scientific dialogue on sexual consent that challenges their own realities. In the framework of the CONSENT project (PID2019-110466RB-I00), a questionnaire script was co-created by the researchers, young people, and the project advisory committee, and later 50 daily life stories and 7 focus groups were conducted. Results show how, as the dialogue and access to scientific evidence progressed, ideas that influence the concrete understanding of consent arise, which is a previous requirement to promote spaces free of coercion and favour their freedom and that of the people with whom they relate. The implications of these results are twofold; on the one hand, the results generate a social impact on the lives of these young people and the people they meet, while on the other hand, their participation implies improved information that should be incorporated into sexual consent awareness campaigns.

‘Doing things you don't wanna do’: young people's understandings of power inequalities and the implications for sexual consent

ABSTRACT Legal definitions of sexual consent emphasise ‘freedom’ as central to valid consent; however, power inequalities may complicate freedom. This paper discusses findings from a two-stage focus group study with young people (aged 13–23) in England exploring the implications of power inequalities for sexual consent. In Stage 1, 77 participants explored and ranked the types of power inequalities they felt were common within young people's sexual relationships, with age, gender and popularity being identified as the most common power inequalities. In Stage 2, 43 participants discussed power inequalities using scenarios based on the Stage 1 findings and considered their implications for sexual consent. Thematic analysis of the data produced two themes: powerless and powerful roles in consent communication and power inequalities implicitly constrain freedom to consent. Consent communication was constructed as a unidirectional process whereby those with more power initiate, and those with less, gatekeep. Such roles require deconstruction to position consent as mutual and actively negotiated by partners. Further, since power inequalities were seen to place implicit constraints on freedom to consent, we advocate for an explicit exploration of power and privilege within Relationships and Sex Education to equip young people to recognise, challenge and negotiate these constraints.

Psychosocial Relationship with Sexual Consent Behavior of the Main Female Character in the Novel “Amba”

Psychosocial Relationship with Sexual Consent Behavior of the Main Female Character in the Novel “Amba”

The Multiple Roles of Emotion in Interpretation and Memory of Sexual Consent.

In this paper, we explore the role of emotion in the interpretation and memory of sexual encounters. We consider situations likely to generate negative emotions during sex, and the mechanisms through which the experience of negative emotions can lead to false memories of coercion and mislabeling of an encounter as sexual assault. Specifically, we consider the role of emotion in directing attention during a sexual encounter and the effects of emotion as context for interpretation at the time of the encounter, and for retrieval and interpretation when the encounter is later recalled and reported. Our intent is to provide a greater understanding of the processes of interpretation and memory through which false claims of sexual assault might arise, if and when they do arise.

Ambiguous Encounters: Young women's expectations and experiences with intoxicated sexual relations in Danish nightlife.

This article is based on 28 in-depth interviews with young women (18–25) about their experiences with intoxicated sexual encounters in Danish nightlife. Little research has examined the role intoxication plays in the processes of consensual and non-consensual sex. Using theories of intoxication and sexual scripts, this article focuses on how alcohol is used and perceived by these young women as a potential way of modifying behaviours and norms in their sexual encounters; how they characterize sexual consent and how they navigate intoxicated behaviour that can result in inappropriate, transgressive or victimizing situations. While the women talk about pleasurable and regrettable experiences, many described situations took on a much more ambiguous, fluid and nuanced role. The study points to the lack of knowledge on how ambiguity may play an active role in managing processes of sexual consent in intoxicated settings, especially for the youngest age groups.

Hey ChatGPT, Let’s Talk About Sexual Consent

ABSTRACT Access to sexual health education, such as education on sexual consent, is limited in the US. Artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, provides a potential opportunity to increase access to sexual consent information and education. However, what ChatGPT knows about sexual consent and if this aligns with the current evidence-based literature on sexual consent is unclear. The goal of this research commentary was to explore what ChatGPT knows about sexual consent with a focus on: 1) the definition of consent, 2) how consent could be communicated, and 3) the impact that substances have on consent. We also examined the reliability of ChatGPT’s responses by having three different researchers ask ChatGPT the same set of questions. Across our questions, ChatGPT provided similar and comprehensive responses that discussed key features of consent – that consent is freely given or reversible. ChatGPT provided examples of different verbal and nonverbal cues people can use to communicate and interpret consent and discussed the ways that substances can impact consent communication. Overall, ChatGPT could be a potential resource for educators and young people who seek information about sexual consent; however, we should proceed with caution. ChatGPT is not a replacement for an educator but rather a way to increase access to education.

Gender-Based Violence Narratives in Internet-Based Conversations in Nigeria: Social Listening Study.

Overcoming gender inequities is a global priority recognized as essential for improved health and human development. Gender-based violence (GBV) is an extreme manifestation of gender inequities enacted in real-world and internet-based environments. In Nigeria, GBV has come to the forefront of attention since 2020, when a state of emergency was declared due to increased reporting of sexual violence. Understanding GBV-related social narratives is important to design public health interventions. We explore how gender-related internet-based conversations in Nigeria specifically related to sexual consent (actively agreeing to sexual behavior), lack of consent, and slut-shaming (stigmatization in the form of insults based on actual or perceived sexuality and behaviors) manifest themselves and whether they changed between 2017 and 2022. Additionally, we explore what role events or social movements have in shaping gender-related narratives in Nigeria. Social listening was carried out on 12,031 social media posts (Twitter, Facebook, forums, and blogs) and almost 2 million public searches (Google and Yahoo search engines) between April 2017 and May 2022. The data were analyzed using natural language processing to determine the most salient conversation thematic clusters, qualitatively analyze time trends in discourse, and compare data against selected key events. Between 2017 and 2022, internet-based conversation about sexual consent increased 72,633%, from an average 3 to 2182 posts per month, while slut-shaming conversation (perpetrating or condemning) shrunk by 9%, from an average 3560 to 3253 posts per month. Thematic analysis shows conversation revolves around the objectification of women, poor comprehension of elements of sexual consent, and advocacy for public education about sexual consent. Additionally, posters created space for sexual empowerment and expressions of sex positivity, pushing back against others who weaponize posts in support of slut-shaming narrative. Time trend analysis shows a greater sense of empowerment in advocating for education around the legal age of consent for sexual activity, calling out double standards, and rejecting slut-shaming. However, analysis of emotions in social media posts shows anger was most prominent in sexual consent (n=1213, 73%) and slut-shaming (n=226, 64%) posts. Organic social movements and key events (#ArewaMeToo and #ChurchToo, the #SexforGrades scandal, and the #BBNaija television program) played a notable role in sparking discourse related to sexual consent and slut-shaming. Social media narratives are significantly impacted by popular culture events, mass media programs, social movements, and micro influencers speaking out against GBV. Hashtags, media clips, and other content can be leveraged effectively to spread awareness and spark conversation around evolving gender norms. Public health practitioners and other stakeholders including policymakers, researchers, and social advocates should be prepared to capitalize on social media events and discourse to help shape the conversation in support of a normative environment that rejects GBV in all its forms.

“I Can Tell You Wanna F***”: A Content Analysis of Sexual Communication in Popular Song Lyrics

ABSTRACT Given that exposure to sexual messages in song lyrics can influence sociocultural norms and expectations surrounding consent communication between partners, we sought to understand the types of messages regarding sexual initiation and consent language that are available to media consumers. Through the lens of sexual script theory, we conducted a quantitative content analysis of sexual consent in pop (n = 197), hip-hop (n = 193), and country songs (n = 194) from 2016 to 2019. Differences in these messages were examined across singer gender, music genre, and time (pre- vs. post-#MeToo). Results indicated that references to sexual demands (e.g., “Strip that down”) and sexual preferences (e.g., “I want it slow”) were the most common types of sexual communication, appearing in approximately one-third of the singing parts included in the sample. Sexual suggestions (e.g., “Let’s get nasty”) and sexual requests (e.g., “Can I hit it?”), on the other hand, were the least common. References to inferred consent (e.g., “I can tell you wanna f***”) appeared in approximately one-fifth of the singing parts. Both sexual demands and sexual preferences were more likely to appear in pop compared to hip-hop and country songs; however, these sexual communication messages did not significantly differ by male and female singers. Sexual requests were significantly more likely to appear in pre-#MeToo song lyrics. The messages embedded in popular songs may help to reinforce problematic scripts around sexual consent.

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Longitudinally Predict College Students’ Communication of Affirmative Sexual Consent

This study longitudinally explored antecedents to college students’ affirmative sexual consent behaviors. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), hypotheses predicted that time one (T1) attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) would predict students’ T1 intentions to communicate affirmative consent to their partner. Also, this study predicted that at time two, intentions to communicate consent from T1 would predict college students’ communication of affirmative consent to their partner during their most recent sexual encounter. Results support hypotheses for all affirmative consent behaviors, and demonstrate that subjective norms and PBC are strong determinants of students’ affirmative sexual consent.

Characteristics of Sexual Assault Among Men Receiving a Forensic Medical Examination

ABSTRACT Sexual assault is a form of violence disproportionately perpetrated against women by men; however, men also experience high rates of sexual victimization. While recent research exploring victimization of sexual assault among men does exist, little is known about situational characteristics and consequences surrounding men’s assault experiences. Therefore, the current study examines narratives of men’s sexual assault to further understand the unique experiences of men receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination. To accomplish this, we conducted a retrospective medical chart review of sexual assault narratives from N = 45 men receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination at a large academic medical institution in the southeastern United States. Three general constructs were identified within the records: a) Perpetrator use of coercive tactics, b) Memory loss, and c) Contextual factors. Nested within these constructs, five specific themes emerged, including: a1) Use of weapons and physical force; a2) Tactical administration of alcohol and drugs; b1) Difficulties remembering assault; c1) Consensual sexual activity turned non-consensual; c2) Incarceration. Findings from the present study common identified characteristics of sexual assaults among men receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination, including coercive tactics used by perpetrators, consequences of sexual assault, and high-risk settings for male victimization.