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Attending the workshop revealed to me that my understanding of consent was not as thorough as it should have been. Certain aspects of it are matters I knew I was aware of subconsciously, but I never took the time to ponder on them. For example, the volumes body language can speak.
However, after attending the workshop, I feel much more educated on the topic. It helped me deeper the importance I place on creating an environment where people feel safe and free. This is highly necessary in the context of sexual activity, but it is also a notion we all need to adhere to in all aspects of life.

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Durham College (2019) https://durhamcollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/Durham-College-Standard-Definitions.pdf

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- It spreads awareness. Covering such topics opens up our minds, and helps us discover ways we can better our communities.
- It gives clear policies people should abide by.
- It heightens the consequences faced by those who violate the sexual rights of others.
- It leads to a more respectful and informed society.

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Sexual violation can, and does happen to males, but most cases are inflicted on females, by males. This plays into the patriarchal hierarchy the feminist theory aims to dismantle. Normalcy of cases of this nature expands the fractured notion of dominance males hold in society. It is a way they maintain power, and unless people make serious and intentional acts towards eradicating these cases, that notion will not be terminated. In this way, I believe the issue of consent is related to the feminist theory.

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Consent is:
- Retractable, meaning anyone can choose to withdraw from the activity at any time.
- Ongoing, meaning it must be given before every single encounter (even in a relationship).
- A process, meaning it is not linear, and one can say no at any point.
- Affirmative, meaning only a clear, concise, enthusiastic, and verbal "yes," means yes.
- Respectful, meaning the wishes of others must be acknowledged and valued.

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Consent has not been given if the person responsible for giving it:
- Just makes sounds or offers non-communication.
- Is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise incapacitated.
- Is pressured or coerced to take part in the activity.
- Is intoxicated.
- Is mentally impaired. As in, if they have a mental condition that can affect their decision-making process.
- Is under age (that would be anyone below the age of 16 years old).

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One should only believe that they have received consent if the person they desire to get consent from, demonstrates certain factors. Below, are some examples of these factors.
- An affirmative yes. There should be a clear and verbal yes spoken, for consent to be given. This is the most important determining factor, because if an individual portrays any other affirmative factors, but has not actually said yes, then one should assume that consent has not been given.
- Affirmative body language. Cues such as lack of eye contact, and tenseness can suggest that someone is not comfortable with the situation. Therefore, one should not proceed with the intended activity.
- Being fully informed. Everyone engaging in the activity at hand must be fully informed on everything that is going to take place.
- Freedom to make decisions. All partakers involved should be at liberty to make their own choices, and if someone chooses not to go ahead with a certain activity, that choice must be respected and adhered to.

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The Sexual Violence Policy, here at Durham College, describes consent to be, "the voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity in question. It is the act of willingly agreeing to engage in specific sexual behavior, and requires that a person is able to freely choose between two options: yes and no. This means there must be an understandable exchange of affirmative words which indicates the willingness  to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity."

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We were informed that, according to a study done by The Rape Crisis Center in Alberta, 97% of Canadians were found to have agreed that consent is important and necessary. However, only 67% fully understand what exactly consent is.

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On the 17th of October, I attended a workshop called 'Consent is Everything.' It was headed by Tyler Creces from the Diversity Office, here on campus, and it was centered around the topic of consent. It covered what consent is, what it is not, and ways one can determine if they have been given consent or not.