Force

(See also Coercion, Consent, and Incapacitation)

Force means the use of physical violence and/or physical imposition to gain sexual access. Force also includes threats, intimidation (implied threats), and coercion that is intended to overcome resistance or produce consent.

Sexual activity that is forced is, by definition, non-consensual, but non-consensual sexual activity is not necessarily forced.

Silence or the absence of resistance alone is not consent. Consent is not demonstrated by the absence of resistance.While resistance is not required or necessary, it is a clear demonstration of non-consent.