Does it count as abuse if I didn’t say no?

The determination of whether an act constitutes abuse does not hinge solely on the absence of a verbal "no." Instead, the critical factor is whether full, ethical, and legal consent was given. This distinction is significant, as consent must be clear and unequivocal to be valid. It is important to recognize that individuals may exhibit trauma responses that can be misinterpreted as consent. For instance, behaviors such as fawning—where a person appeases or submits to another—do not necessarily indicate genuine consent. In such cases, the individual may be attempting to cope with a distressing situation rather than actively consenting to the actions taking place. Unless there is a clear and affirmative expression of consent, it is reasonable to argue that abuse may have occurred. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals in such situations to consult with a legal professional to discuss their circumstances and explore their options.