If a girl has more than one partner or there is a rumour that she is “sleeping around” or is “easy”, some people call her a “slut”. This is NOT ok in any situation. Sometimes people spread the rumour because they are jealous, bored or seeking revenge. It’s no one else’s business who someone has slept with.

Calling someone a “slut” is dangerous, and can make it more likely that the person will be sexually assaulted or raped, because other people are less likely to respect them or ask for their consent. No one ever deserves to be assaulted, and it’s important to always ask for consent.

Guys don’t get called “slut” if they have multiple partners; they are more likely to be congratulated, called a “player”, or something like that. This is a double standard and an example of sexism, because girls and guys are treated differently for the same behaviour.

Yes, no one can legally consent (give their permission for sexual activity) when they have been drinking or using drugs. The law is there to protect people.  Sometimes people try to get someone else drunk or high in order to have sex with them. This is sexual assault, which is recognized by the law.

People might make different choices after using drugs or alcohol than they would usually make. So, if someone had sex while drunk or stoned and then realized that they would not have if they were sober, they can legally press charges even if the other person were also drunk or high.

Whoever feels taken advantage of can press charges. If both people feel taken advantage of, both people may press charges.  In this situation, it may be helpful to talk to the person (if you feel safe to do so) or talk to someone else you trust about it.  Anytime you feel you may have been sexually harassed or assaulted, you can call the Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 1-888-292-7565, or at 786-8631 in Winnipeg.

You have been raped if you did not say “yes” to sex. If you did not say “yes”, then that means the other person did not get consent. Having sex without consent is considered rape or sexual assault.

It is also rape or sexual assault if:

• someone forces you to say “yes”
• they don’t stop if you say “stop”
• they threaten you if you do not have sex with them
• they guilt or manipulate you into having sex

If you are not sure about a particular experience, please call the free, confidential Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 1-888-292-7565 or 786-8631 in Winnipeg.