Did you know that in Iowa, not all sexual assault is criminalized? Only specific acts, under specific circumstances, are recognized under state law — meaning countless survivors experience violations that the legal system doesn't even have a name for, let alone consequences for. Without a legal definition of consent, every other reform effort is built on sand. This is where it has to start.

Sexual assault is not an abstract issue. It affects real people in Iowa every single day. And yet, Iowa law still does not include a clear, statutory definition of consent. That gap has real consequences. It creates ambiguity in courtrooms, gives defense attorneys room to maneuver, and too often leaves survivors without the justice they deserve.

That needs to change.

Consent should be defined in Iowa law as a freely given, knowledgeable, informed agreement, by a person with the capacity to reason. This definition comes from the Consent Awareness Network (CAN), an organization working to establish this standard in every state. CAN currently has a bill pending in New York — and Iowa has the opportunity to be part of that movement.

We are asking Iowa legislators to introduce legislation that establishes this definition of consent in Iowa's penal code. It is the foundation that makes all other reform possible, and it is long overdue.

If you believe survivors deserve better, sign this petition and help us make the case to the people who have the power to act.