84-97% of sexual assaults against students are perpetrated by someone they know.

The presence of consent involves explicit communication and mutual approval for the act in which the parties are/were involved. A sexual encounter is considered consensual when individuals willingly and knowingly engage in sexual activity. The use of coercion in instances of sexual misconduct involves the use of pressure, manipulation, substances, and/or force. The absence of "no" is not a "yes".

Acquaintance rape occurs when someone you know forces you to have sexual intercourse against your will. Stranger rape occurs when someone you don't know forces you to have sexual intercourse against your will. All forms of sexual assault are considered acts of misconduct and subject to investigation

Other forms of sexual misconduct include, but are not limited to, unwanted touching of another person's buttocks, breasts, penis, or vagina and forced penetration.

If you are concerned about being accused of sexual misconduct we recommend that you familiarize yourself with some of the key indicators that you are at risk for perpetration:

• You are touching another person in a sexual manner without their consent.

• You are initiating sexual contact when you are not sure what the other person wants.

• You are initiating sexual contact when the other person is drunk or otherwise intoxicated.

• You decided to have sex by any means necessary.

• You are hoping that s/he won't say anything but will just be quiet and like it.

• You are acting on an impulse or dare.

• You are getting mixed messages/signals.

• You have not spoken with the person about what s/he wants to do.

Ask rather than assume. You and your partner should talk about what would be most enjoyable together.