Why Consent Is Essential for Hands-On Yoga Assists: The Data Every Teacher Should Know

According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), 42.0% of women and 42.3% of men in the United States have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Additionally, 19.6% of women and 7.6% of men have experienced contact sexual violence by an intimate partner. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 30% of women have faced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. Additionally, a UNICEF study found that 1 in 8 women and 1 in 11 men worldwide experienced sexual assault as children.

What This Means for Yoga Teachers

These numbers point to a difficult truth:

Nearly half the students in any public yoga class likely carry trauma around touch—whether or not it has ever been disclosed.

That means trauma is not the exception in your classroom. It’s present—and often invisible.

Why Consent Isn’t Optional

Trauma affects the nervous system and how students perceive—even welcome—touch. Without clear consent protocols, well-meaning assists can lead to confusion, shutdown, or retraumatization.

That’s why, in the Rubber Band Method®, consent isn’t treated as a courtesy.

It’s the foundation of how touch is taught, offered, and received.

How to Ask Permission for Hands-On Assists

As highlighted in Hands-On Yoga Assists: A Teacher’s Guide to the Rubber Band Method®, obtaining explicit consent before offering physical touch is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity. Here are a few ways to do this discreetly while maintaining student agency:

1. Use Non-Verbal Consent Signals

• At the start of class, when student's have eyes closed or are in a face-down position, invite students to use a thumbs-up or hand-on-belly signal to decline hands-on assists. This method ensures that declining touch is easy and private.

2. Offer Assist Coins or Cards

• Provide students with a small “Yes/No” card they can place at the top of their mat. This allows them to indicate whether they welcome hands-on assists for that particular class without any pressure.

3. Phrase Requests Clearly

• Avoid asking, “Does anyone NOT want assists?” as this can create confusion. Instead, phrase it clearly:

• Example: “If you prefer NOT to receive hands-on assists today, please place a hand on your belly.”

"Please set your assist coin to your preference: dark side up to decline hands-on guidance, light side up to consent."

4. Reaffirm Choice Throughout Class

• If a student initially consents to touch, they should always feel free to change their mind at any point. A simple cue like “Feel free to wave me off if you’d like to skip an assist” or “You can flip your assist coin to decline at any time” helps maintain their autonomy.

By incorporating these small yet powerful consent practices, yoga teachers can foster a safer, more welcoming space for all students. That's cultivating agency.

For a deeper dive into safe, trauma-sensitive hands-on assists, check out Hands-On Yoga Assists: A Teacher’s Guide to the Rubber Band Method®, where these principles are explored in greater detail. Available through Amazon and all major booksellers May 2025.