Gender refers to the social construction of sex. In other words, it is a definition of gender shaped not by biological, genetic, or anatomical factors, but by cultural, economic, historical, and political influences. It relates to the roles, behaviors, and expectations that society attributes to women and men.
Violence encompasses all behaviors that, through the use of force and coercion, cause harm to the physical and psychological integrity, property, or symbolic and cultural values of an individual (or a group). Violence does not occur only through physical acts such as pushing, hitting, burning, or biting; it can also take verbal, emotional, or economic forms, including humiliation, verbal abuse, exerting pressure, threats, blackmail, persistent stalking, or confiscation of income.
Sexual violence includes sexual acts or behaviors carried out without a person’s consent, such as sexual innuendo, jokes, or insults; sending sexually explicit messages; hugging, kissing, rape; forcing someone into childbirth or abortion; using force during sexual intercourse; or sexual acts carried out through threats.
Consent is a clear and voluntary agreement given freely and willingly, with a healthy and autonomous will, and with full awareness of the consequences of the action. A person’s silence does not mean consent. Likewise, “consent” obtained through coercion or abuse of power does not constitute real consent. Similarly, consent cannot be given under the influence of substances or alcohol.
In relationships where there is an imbalance of power—for example, between a faculty member and a student, or in a hierarchical superior–subordinate relationship—it can be difficult to determine whether consent is genuine. Such situations are referred to as “grey areas.” In relationships that take place within these grey areas, it is essential to act with caution and responsibility, particularly in relation to potential cases of harassment and abuse.
Consent is a healthy and free will, an open and voluntary approval given knowingly and willingly, with an awareness of the consequences of the action. A person's silence in a situation does not mean consent. On the other hand, "consent" obtained through coercion or dominance is also not considered consent. Similarly, consent cannot be obtained under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In relationships where there is no power balance; for example, between a professor and a student, or in a superior-subordinate relationship, it can be difficult to determine whether consent is genuine. These situations are called "gray areas." It is essential to act carefully and responsibly in relationships that occur in gray areas and in the face of cases of harassment and abuse that may be encountered there.
