What would you do if your cousin told you that someone they hooked up with before automatically thought it was okay to hook up again just because it happened once in the past?
Before you begin (trigger warning)
While discussing gender-based violence (GBV) can be important for healing and raising awareness, it's also essential to protect yourself and be mindful of personal triggers. Triggers can be experiences that cause a person to recall a traumatic event. For example, graphic images of violence might be triggering for some people. If anything here triggers you, it's okay to step back and focus on your safety and well-being. Seek out resources if needed, or try self-care strategies (PDF) like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones to feel grounded and in control.
Scenario 9
Read the following scenario and consider whether this would be GBV. Then, respond with what you would do in this situation.
Your cousin opens up about an encounter she had with a girl she hooked up with a few weeks ago.
She shares that they were hanging out recently, and that the girl started kissing and touching her inappropriately, assuming it was fine because they had done it before.
Your cousin admits that she didn't want to hook up with the girl again but felt pressured and didn't know how to say no to her.
Scenario 9 complete
Well done! You've completed Scenario 9: Assuming consent. You now understand that consent is something that must be given freely, enthusiastically and continuously every time.
It's important to note that acts of GBV like this can be amplified over time, leading to other forms of GBV.
Remember, these three steps are essential in addressing instances of GBV.
