SACS FAQS
- Consent to sexual activity can be communicated in a variety of ways, but one should presume that consent has not been given in the absence of clear, positive agreement.
- While verbal consent is not an absolute requirement for consensual sexual activity, verbal communication prior to engaging in sex helps to clarify consent. Communicating verbally before engaging in sexual activity is imperative. However potentially awkward it may seem, talking about your own and your partner's sexual desires, needs, and limitations provide a basis for a positive experience.
- Consent must be clear and unambiguous for each participant at every stage of a sexual encounter. The absence of "no" should not be understood to mean there is consent.
- A prior relationship does not indicate consent to a future activity.
- A person who is asleep or mentally or physically incapacitated, either through the effect of drugs or alcohol or for any other reason, is not capable of giving valid consent.
- The use of alcohol or drugs may seriously interfere with the participants' judgment about whether consent has been sought and given.
SACS provides free and confidential services to sexual assault survivors and their loved ones including:
- 24-hour crisis hotline
- Support through hospital, court, and medical procedures
- Counseling
- Support groups
- Outreach
- Prevention education
- Counselor advocate training certification
YWCA SACS accepts applications for our Counselor Advocate Training classes throughout the year. This in-depth training covers the dynamics of sexual assault/abuse and its effects on survivors and their loved ones. This class is for anyone interested in volunteering on our 24-hour crisis hotline and may also be taken for professional development. Once the course is completed, we ask volunteers to commit to one year of volunteering two shifts per month. You may download an application here or contact our Volunteer Program Manager, at 860-225-4681 x257 or adamato@ywcanewbritain.org.
Our Volunteer Program Manager regularly seeks volunteers for office administration support, fundraising, and outreach through tabling events.
Please get in touch with our Community Educator at 860-225-4681 x214 to learn of the training opportunities available at this time.
- Be an active bystander – step in and say something when you see the harmful or disrespectful behavior.
- Treat others with respect and model healthy behaviors in all of your relationships.
- Believe survivors and offer support in finding resources.
- Provide training on sexual violence and how to prevent it.
- Create policies that promote safety, equality, and respect.
- Make respect the norm and encourage people to have open conversations about safety.