What distinguishes consent from coercion in sexual violence definitions?

• A. Consent can be implied by silence.
• B. Consent is present when the person does not resist.
• C. Consent is only needed once.
• D. Consent is voluntary, ongoing agreement.

Answer: (D)

Consent is about a voluntary, ongoing agreement to engage in any sexual activity. It isn’t something that can be assumed from silence or from a lack of resistance, and it isn’t fixed after one initial yes. True consent must be actively given and can be withdrawn at any time, so ongoing communication and mutual, enthusiastic participation are required at every stage. Coercion undermines consent by pressuring, threatening, manipulating, or exploiting a power imbalance, which means even if there’s no obvious force, the agreement isn’t freely given. That’s why understanding consent as voluntary, ongoing agreement best distinguishes it from coercion.