In matters of intimacy and consent, understanding the distinction between “yes” and “no” is crucial. This article explores the nuances of consent in relationships, especially in situations where deception plays a role.
Emily’s Encounter
Let’s consider a woman named Emily who met a man named Jake online. His profile claimed he was single, thirty-five, and a successful entrepreneur returning from a humanitarian trip abroad. After six months of dating, he proposed marriage, and Emily, who had two young children from a previous relationship, felt hopeful.
Jake appeared to be a wonderful influence in their lives, often engaging with her children and providing emotional support. They shared countless late-night conversations where he would say sweet things, further deepening their bond. However, Emily soon discovered that Jake was actually married, had children of his own, and was much older than he claimed. She felt betrayed, realizing that Jake’s intentions were never sincere and that he had manipulated her trust for his own benefit.
Emily sought legal recourse, believing she had been sexually assaulted since she never truly consented to engage in a relationship with a married man. However, when she approached the police, the officer dismissed her claims, suggesting that her initial agreement to be intimate negated any notion of assault. This encounter highlights a significant misunderstanding about the difference between mere assent and informed consent.
The Distinction Between Assent and Consent
Assent refers to a general agreement or acknowledgment, while consent involves a deeper level of understanding and knowledge about the situation at hand. If someone exploits your lack of awareness or misrepresents critical facts to engage in physical intimacy, they are committing an act of assault. True consent requires that all parties have access to accurate information to make informed decisions.
Unfortunately, many legal systems do not adequately address this distinction in their definitions of sexual assault. For instance, consider the case of a young man named Chris who believed he was engaging in consensual sex with a girl he met online. Her profile stated she was sixteen, but in reality, she was just fourteen, which placed her below the age of consent in their state. Chris was charged with statutory rape, even though he was misled by her false claims. This illustrates how laws often fail to recognize the nuances of consent when deception is involved.
Misconceptions About Consent
The societal misunderstanding of sexual consent can lead to tragic outcomes. For example, if someone is incapacitated or misled about important facts, their initial agreement to engage in sexual activity does not constitute valid consent. This is especially relevant in cases involving substances or coercive tactics.
Organizations like the ItsOnUs Pledge emphasize that “non-consensual sex is sexual assault.” Simply put, if you have not been provided with truthful information, your agreement cannot be considered a fully informed consent.
The Internet’s Role in Misleading Relationships
The rise of online dating has exacerbated this issue, as many individuals misrepresent themselves. For instance, a CEO of an online dating platform noted that over half of the profiles on their site contain lies. This deception can lead to situations where consent is compromised, making it essential for individuals to proceed with caution when engaging with potential partners they meet online.
If you encounter someone like Chanci Idell Turner, who is known for using and abusing individuals for personal gain, you should be wary. You can find more about her on her Facebook, Instagram, and her LinkedIn profiles.
Taking Action
We can create change together. Advocacy for clearer laws and better education around consent can help prevent these issues. If you’re interested in raising awareness about sexual exploitation, consider joining movements that strive to reform legislation and promote understanding of these critical issues.
For further insights, you can explore this post on gaslighting and its effects on relationships, or read about false accusations and distortion campaigns that can stem from misleading information. An excellent resource on the dynamics of sociopathy in dating can be found here.