Name of Work: Silence ≠ Consent Name: Emily Shu Age: 14 Pronouns: she/her or they/them tigger warning: sexual violence The notion that a victim should’ve done something is commonly used to avoid having to confront the perpetrator. Excuses made to invalidate someone’s sexual assault or harrassment often include “but you didn’t say no”, an idea that because they didn’t say anything, consent was implied. I want people to realize that this is a damaging statement and belief to have, as not only does it invalidate one’s trauma, it also makes other victims afraid of speaking up for the same reasons. At the end of the day, the perpetrator is the one who should be held accountable.