Reviewing California’s 2014 ‘Yes Means Yes’ Law
Last September, California signed the “yes means yes” bill — new legislation to help campus officials better assess rape allegations and sexual assault at colleges and universities (who accept state financial aid).
The bill changes the meaning of sexual consent. Each party must make “an affirmative, unambiguous and conscious decision” to participate in sexual activity together. Instead of “no means no,” the new bill creates a new, empowered situation for college students. The absence of resistance or silence can no longer be considered consent.
In a majority of states, sexual assault is defined by any kind unsolicited physical touching with a sexual organ. Most sexual assault or abuse crimes are considered felonies in the state of California.
‘Yes Means Yes’ Specifics:
- Colleges and universities who accept state funding for student financial aid must agree that silence, drunkenness or lack of resistance does not equal consent when they investigate sexual assault claims on campus.
- Kevin de Lion (D-Los Angeles) pushed the bill forward.
- Campuses must create “victim-centered” sexual assault response policies. Comprehensive programs to help prevent assault from occurring in the first place must also be created and implemented.
- The bill applies to both public and private post-secondary schools that accept state money for financial aid.
The University of California and California State University supported the legislation following the adoption of consent standards earlier in the year that mirrored the bill. The new bill should help to nullify the ubiquitous and false idea that if sexual assault is not violent, then it is consensual.
Sexual crime attorney Lawrence Wolf has 40 years of experience dealing with sexual assault cases of all kinds. He understands the severity and sensitivity of your situation. Feel free to call his office at (310) 277-1707, or email him your case at LW@youareinnocent.com. Learn more about Wolf at youareinnocent.com.
