Understanding consent

What is consent?

Consent means agreeing to something by choice, with the freedom and capacity to make that choice. Consent should be freely given, clear and actively communicated, informed, specific to what is happening, ongoing and respected at all times. Consent should never be assumed.    Giving consent to something on one occasion does not mean that the person has given consent to the same thing on the next occasion. Agreeing to one activity does not mean agreeing to another, and anyone can change their mind at any point and withdraw their consent. 

It's important to understand that sexual coercion is when someone is not giving consent, they are being persuaded, forced, coerced or convinced into sexual activity that they do not want to take part in. This is not consensual sex. Sexual coercion is illegal and it is a criminal offence. 

Consent is an ongoing conversation

Consent is about communication, choice and mutual respect. It is important to check that everyone involved is comfortable and freely choosing, pay attention to what someone says and how they communicate, pause and check if anything is unclear, recognise that silence, uncertainty or the absence of saying ‘No’ verbally or not resisting is not consent, respect someone’s boundaries and decisions, and stop if consent is withdrawn or if you are unsure. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that consent is present and continues throughout an interaction.

Freedom and capacity

For someone to consent, they must be free to make their own choice and able to understand what they are agreeing to. A person is not choosing freely if they are being pressured, threatened, manipulated or made to feel that something negative will happen if they say no. Power, authority or trust must never be misused to influence someone’s decision. A person does not have the capacity to consent if they are asleep, unconscious or unable to understand or communicate their choice. Alcohol or drugs can also affect a person’s capacity to make an informed decision. If you are uncertain whether someone is freely choosing or has the capacity to consent, stop and do not proceed.

Learn more about consent

Our online Consent for Students module provides an opportunity to be clear on and understand consent which will build your confidence in recognising, seeking and communicating consent. The module covers the key principles of consent, communication and personal boundaries, freedom and capacity, the effect alcohol or drugs may have on capacity, recognising when consent is not present, and where to find information and support.

Consent explained by a cup of tea

Consent can sometimes feel like a difficult topic to talk about, but at its heart it is about respect, communication and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable, safe and able to consent fully. This short video uses a simple everyday example to introduce some of the key principles of consent, helping to explain why consent should be freely given, clearly communicated and respected at all times.

Understanding consent, harassment and other concerning behaviour with Salford students

Consent is an important part of respectful relationships and creating a safe and supportive community. While the principles of consent are straightforward, understanding how they apply in everyday situations can sometimes feel more complex. This short video features Salford students exploring consent, communication and boundaries, helping to bring these principles to life through real conversations and experiences.

What is sexual misconduct?

There are a few terms used when talking about sexual misconduct, which can get confusing at times. We’ve listed the words you’ll hear the most, so you can feel confident in recognising this behaviour.

• Sexual assault is when someone touches another person in a sexual manner or makes another person take part in sexual activity without that person's consent. This can include rape, kissing, sexual touching (including through clothes) and/or pressing up against another for sexual pleasure.
• Sexual harassment is when one person makes sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature without consent. This can include sexual comments and jokes, displaying pictures of a sexual nature, sending messages of a sexual nature and unwanted physical behaviour such as touching.
• Sexual violence refers to any kind of unwanted sexual act or activity, including rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, and many others.
• Sexual misconduct is a broad term that refers to sexual harassment, assault and violence. Sexual misconduct occurs when there is no consent given.

Support at the university

If you have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, assault or violence, please remember it is not your fault and help is available.

Report It

We have Report It, which is our confidential reporting system where you can let us know if you have experienced or witnessed any concerning behaviour, including sexual misconduct, so we can do something about it.

Report It key facts:

• You can report anonymously (but it does mean we won’t be able to contact you with further support)
• You’ll have a case adviser who will support you throughout your case
• Although “report” is in the title, you are not making an official complaint or grievance with the university. This report also doesn’t log anything with police or emergency services
• If you do want to make an official complaint, your case adviser can support you fully with this

Remember: even if you’ve only witnessed something, you should be an active bystander and let us know so we can do something about it.

Wellbeing and Counselling

You can access self-help resources on our Wellbeing and Counselling page or seek support from our Wellbeing and Counselling teams when you need it. As well as being a great source of tips for general wellbeing and issues you may be facing, Wellbeing Advisers are here if you wish to seek advice about something that is causing you considerable stress, distress or concern.

You can also access free and confidential counselling through the Student Care First phone line - available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: +44 (0)800 970 1080.

Safety on campus: the SafeZone app

If you study on campus, make sure you download Safezone (it’s free). This will ensure you can access to emergency or urgent assistance should you need it, first aid and the ability to report emergency incidents and concerns in our university community.

Be an active bystander

Looking out for others is an important part of our Salford community. Being an active bystander means noticing behaviour that could cause harm and considering whether there is a safe and appropriate way to respond. This could include checking whether someone is OK, asking another person for help or seeking support from the University. Our active bystander learning helps students recognise concerning behaviour, understand the importance of safe intervention, consider different ways to respond, and identify where to seek help.

Further support and resources

• Rape crisis tools for survivors
• Dignity at work policy (how we tackle and prevent harassment)
• Student Code of Conduct
• Student Charter
• Student Misconduct Procedure
• St Mary's Centre for forensic medical examination, counselling and aftercare
• Consent for Students module - Some people may find parts of this subject difficult. You can pause or leave the module at any point. Information about the support available to you can be found on our Harassment and Sexual Misconduct page
• Related learning: Keeping Yourself Safe - Students may also wish to access Keeping Yourself Safe as related learning. This provides wider information about personal safety, recognising risk and knowing where to seek support, while keeping the main page focused on consent and active bystander education.

If something has happened

If you have experienced or witnessed something that concerns you, information and support are available. You do not need to decide immediately whether you want to make a report before finding out about your options. Visit our Harassment and Sexual Misconduct page for support, reporting options, University processes and related policies.

Urgent help

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If you are on campus, you can contact University Security or use the SafeZone app. Full emergency and campus safety information is available through our Harassment and Sexual Misconduct page.