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Last night, during a @DenCityCouncil meeting, a member joked "silence means consent" a phrase associated with sexual violence. We’d like to take this as an opportunity to reflect and continue to change the conversation around sexual violence.
Language is powerful – flippant uses of phrases like “silence means consent” make light of a serious issue and could normalize violent behaviors while perpetuating rape culture.
Also, sexual violence is startlingly common, which means there’s likelihood that a survivor is listening. Phrases that relate to sexual violence could have negative impacts on these survivors.
Lastly, and most importantly, silence never means consent
Remember, we all play a role in ending sexual violence. We urge everyone, especially those with a public platform, to be more mindful of the impact of their words.
And when you see or hear something, say something.
