April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month—a time to shed light on an issue that continues to impact far too many students on college campuses. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), college-aged individuals are at the highest risk for sexual assault, with 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men experiencing sexual violence while in college. At the Leila Grace Foundation, we believe prevention begins with education—and that starts with teaching young men what consent truly means and how to ask for it.
Consent Is More Than a Yes
Consent is not just the absence of a “no.” It is an enthusiastic, informed, and voluntary “yes” given by all parties involved. It’s a mutual agreement that must be communicated clearly and can be withdrawn at any time. Yet many young people enter college without a full understanding of how to navigate these conversations, especially young men who may not have been taught to prioritize consent or respect boundaries in intimate situations.
When we equip young men with the tools to understand and practice consent, we help shift the culture from entitlement to respect. We empower them to be part of the solution rather than bystanders—or worse, perpetrators.
Changing the Conversation
For too long, sexual assault prevention has focused primarily on how women can protect themselves: don’t walk alone, watch your drink, dress modestly. But real prevention means addressing the root of the problem—often a lack of understanding or respect for boundaries. This is where young men need guidance, not just on what not to do, but on how to build respectful, healthy relationships.
Asking for consent can be as simple as:
- “Is this okay?”
- “Do you want to keep going?”
- “Tell me if anything feels uncomfortable.”
These conversations create a culture of open communication, mutual trust, and shared responsibility. They also normalize checking in with your partner—whether during a kiss or a more intimate moment. Consent should never be assumed.
The Role of Educators, Parents, and Communities
It’s critical that parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors model and talk about consent early and often. Sex education must go beyond anatomy and contraception. It must include discussions about respect, power dynamics, emotional maturity, and clear communication.
College campuses should invest in programs that teach consent in orientation, sports teams, fraternities, and student organizations. Peer-led workshops, survivor-centered stories, and honest conversations go a long way in reshaping outdated beliefs about masculinity, sex, and entitlement.
A Call to Action
This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we call on our communities to support and uplift conversations around consent. Let’s teach young men that real strength lies in empathy, that respect is sexy, and that consent is not just important—it’s mandatory.
Together, we can build a future where all students feel safe, valued, and empowered in their relationships.
#ConsentMatters #SAAM #LeilaGraceFoundation #TeachRespect