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A reaction is not permission

My body responded. Does that mean I wanted it?

No. Physical arousal can happen automatically during an unwanted or nonconsensual experience. A body response does not equal desire, agreement, enjoyment, identity, or consent.

Bodies have automatic systems.

Erections, lubrication, ejaculation, orgasm, freezing, numbness, or other physical reactions can occur without a person choosing them. The nervous system can react while the person feels fear, confusion, disgust, detachment, or nothing at all.

Consent is a choice, not a reflex.

Consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn. A physical reaction cannot speak for you. Neither can silence, lack of resistance, intoxication, age, pressure, or an earlier yes.

“My body reacted, but I did not choose or agree to what happened.”
“An erection means I wanted it.”

False. It is an involuntary physiological response and does not establish desire or consent.

“I froze, so I let it happen.”

False. Freezing and shutting down are recognized trauma responses.

“I had an orgasm, so it could not be abuse.”

False. A physical climax does not convert an unwanted act into a consensual one.

“This tells me my orientation.”

False. An involuntary body response cannot assign a sexual identity.

Sources and limits: RAINN states that a bodily response during an unwanted or nonconsensual experience does not mean the experience was acceptable or consensual. RAINN also notes that freezing or shutting down does not equal consent. RAINN Consent 101 RAINN trauma support