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Media/Events
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The campaign theme, I Ask, champions the message that asking for consent is a healthy, normal, and necessary part of everyday interactions.

What if you want to kiss someone, but you aren’t sure how they’d feel? When you want to get close to someone — whether you’re hooking up for the first time or in a long-term relationship — it’s important to know how to ask for consent.
What Is Consent? • When someone gives consent, they’re giving permission for something to happen or agreeing to do something. • This means they need to know specifically what they’re agreeing to — so make sure what you’re asking is clear. For example, “Do you want to mess around for a while? Like cuddling and making out, but not having sex?”
What Is Not Consent? • Your partner may not tell you “no,” but that doesn’t mean they’re saying “yes.” • If someone says nothing, “um… I guess,” or an unsure “yes,” they’re likely communicating that they don’t really want to do the thing you’re asking about. • In these cases, you don’t have clear consent. Check in with your partner about how they’re feeling — or suggest another activity. For example, “You seem unsure, so why don’t we just watch TV tonight?”
What Is Consent? • When someone gives consent, they’re giving permission for something to happen or agreeing to do something. • This means they need to know specifically what they’re agreeing to — so make sure what you’re asking is clear. For example, “Do you want to mess around for a while? Like cuddling and making out, but not having sex?”
What Is Not Consent? • Your partner may not tell you “no,” but that doesn’t mean they’re saying “yes.” • If someone says nothing, “um… I guess,” or an unsure “yes,” they’re likely communicating that they don’t really want to do the thing you’re asking about. • In these cases, you don’t have clear consent. Check in with your partner about how they’re feeling — or suggest another activity. For example, “You seem unsure, so why don’t we just watch TV tonight?”

Consent should be a part of your interactions with others when you’re texting or using social media. Although you aren’t talking
face to-face, you should always consider how your actions might make another person feel and ask questions if you don’t know.
Texting • Just because technology connects us 24/7 doesn’t mean that your partner is always available. • Some people enjoy rapid-fire text conversations, while others only like to text to make plans. • Check in with your partner about how often you would like to text each other and what you consider a reasonable amount of time to respond. For example, “How do you feel about texting at work? I’m cool with it, but I also have a lot of down time.”
Sexting • Sexting means sending sexual photos, videos, or messages from your phone or computer. • Not everyone feels comfortable sexting, and that’s okay — there are good reasons to have concerns about sharing a private image. • It’s never okay to send unwanted sexts — even to a long-term partner. • If your partner is okay with sexting, ask them before you send anything. For example, “I’d love to show you exactly how I’m feeling — can I send you a pic?”
Picture Pressure • Just like any other kind of sex, digital sexual interactions should feel exciting, comfortable, and safe for everyone involved. • If someone says “no” to sending a nude photo, respect their choice and move on. • Never pressure, coerce, or guilt someone to send photos — especially nude photos. For example, “That’s cool — I can’t wait for our date on Saturday!”
face to-face, you should always consider how your actions might make another person feel and ask questions if you don’t know.
Texting • Just because technology connects us 24/7 doesn’t mean that your partner is always available. • Some people enjoy rapid-fire text conversations, while others only like to text to make plans. • Check in with your partner about how often you would like to text each other and what you consider a reasonable amount of time to respond. For example, “How do you feel about texting at work? I’m cool with it, but I also have a lot of down time.”
Sexting • Sexting means sending sexual photos, videos, or messages from your phone or computer. • Not everyone feels comfortable sexting, and that’s okay — there are good reasons to have concerns about sharing a private image. • It’s never okay to send unwanted sexts — even to a long-term partner. • If your partner is okay with sexting, ask them before you send anything. For example, “I’d love to show you exactly how I’m feeling — can I send you a pic?”
Picture Pressure • Just like any other kind of sex, digital sexual interactions should feel exciting, comfortable, and safe for everyone involved. • If someone says “no” to sending a nude photo, respect their choice and move on. • Never pressure, coerce, or guilt someone to send photos — especially nude photos. For example, “That’s cool — I can’t wait for our date on Saturday!”