Why Silence, Freezing, or Not Fighting Back Does Not Mean Consent
Why Silence, Freezing, or Not Fighting Back Does Not Mean Consent Have you ever been so shocked or scared that your body just… stopped? No words. No movement. Just stillness. Many people have experienced this in moments of danger or stress. Yet, when it comes to conversations about sexual encounters, that very human reaction is often misunderstood or worse, used against someone. There’s a stubborn myth out there that if a person didn’t say “no,” didn’t fight back, or didn’t scream, then they must have agreed. That idea is not only wrong, it’s harmful. Let’s be clear from the start: silence, freezing, or not fighting back does not mean consent . It is about a clear, willing, and ongoing “yes.” Anything less is not consent. In this article, we’ll break down why these myths persist, what it really means, and how understanding this better can help create safer, more respectful relationships for everyone. What Consent Really Means Consent means a clear, voluntary, and enthusiastic ag...