To some, sexual consent may not seem as simple as serving tea; so for that reason, the Thames Valley Police, of England, made a video explaining the similarities between consenting to a cup of tea, and sexual consent.
The video, dating back to November 2015, opens with “If you’re still struggling with consent, just imagine instead of initiating sex, you’re making them a cup of tea.”
For nearly three minutes, the video uses stick figure and tea cup drawings, to simulate several scenarios in which consent for drinking tea (having sex) is necessary.
“You can make them a cup a tea, or not, but be aware that they might not drink it, and if they don’t drink it, then, and this is the important part, don’t make them drink it.”
“And if they say ‘No, thank you,’ then don’t make them tea, at all, just don’t make them tea. Don’t make them drink tea, don’t get annoyed at them for not wanting tea, they just don’t want tea, okay?”
“And if they’re unconscious, don’t make them tea. Unconscious people don’t want tea, and they can’t answer the question, ‘Do you want tea?’ because they’re unconscious.”
“Okay, maybe they were conscious when you asked them if they wanted tea, and they said ‘yes,’ but in the time it took you to boil the kettle, brew the tea and add the milk, they’re now unconscious. You should just put the tea down, make sure the unconscious person is safe, and this is the important part again, don’t make them drink the tea.”
The video’s recent attention may be credited to the Stanford University sexual assault case, which has gained the attention of millions of Americans, including celebrities and politicians. Vice President Joe Biden wrote a letter on June 9, praising the victim’s bravery for speaking out.
Brock Turner, 20, a swimmer at the school, was convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman and was sentenced to 6 months in jail and 3 years probation. He may only serve half of the sentence.
