I Always Get Consent!

Special Thanks to Gabby, Jaclyn, Jenna, and Kappa Alpha Theta Arizona State.

One in every six.  One in every six women will be sexually assaulted or raped in her lifetime.  Sadly, this statistic became a reality when one ASU student, Jenna, was sexually assaulted after a party on campus during her freshman year in 2010.  Terrifying?  Absolutely.  But Jenna did not let this horrific experience tear her down.  Instead, this nightmare turned Jenna, and her loving sorority sisters, into advocates for social justice.  With the support of sorority sisters Gabby and Jaclyn (among other friends), change was about to take place.  I Always Get Consent was born.

"I was oblivious to the statistics- I thought that rapes were very rare and only occurred if you were walking alone in a dark alley," Jenna states on the I Always Get Consent site.  "The sad truth is that rapes happen every day, and college campuses are especially dangerous.  I was frustrated that I was never educated on the dangers of sexual assault, so my friends and I created this event; We were eager to get this conversation started.  It is so important to learn the facts, and vow to always get consent," Jenna adds.

With the support of the Arizona State University Panhellenic Council (plus additional off-campus, university, and student organizations), the friends host a week-long event held on campus.  Friends, acquaintances, and campus clubs alike, unite to educate their school on sexual assault.  ASU Heath and Wellness Counseling and Consultation also sets up tables on the student lawn to inform students of the pressing issue.  A main event is also held, including a panel discussion for students. Among the knowledge being taught?  Educating the students on what consent really means, and encouraging them to make a pledge to always get consent.  Men and women alike learn about the issue, and ways to avoid and deal with sexually compromising situations.  Everyone and anyone can be a victim of sexual assault.  It's important to support these victims, and encourage them to come forward.

The "I ALWAYS Get Consent!" movement is now in it's third year, thanks to these inspiring sorority sisters. "It has been expanding rapidly, with multiple colleges across the country asking to bring this movement to their own campuses," Gabby states.  TSS is proud to support the I Always Get Consent team- along with their dedication and strong sense of sisterhood.  Now, what about that frightening one in six statistic?  "While this is a scary statistic, it has motivated us to work to decrease these numbers," adds Gabby.  One thing is certain-- we ALWAYS get consent!

For more information, please visit I Always Get Consent.