Status: Complete

Make consent workshops compulsory for all incoming students.

Sexual assault is a real issue in University cities. Shame and social pressures mean it does not often come to light. Workshops on what constitutes consent would:

-create a culture of consent among the student population, that can be carried forward to the world as students leave Univeristy.

-open up a conversation about sexual assault among students.

-help safeguard students by educating about their rights.

Southampton's local rape charity Yellow Door frequently work in community outreach and could facilitate workshops, which could be made a compulsory part of the Freshers period in much the same way as Welcome Talks.

Submitted on Tuesday 13th February 2018

Responses

Hi Katarzyna,

Following from my previous response, I have been in contact with relevant University staff regarding your idea. Consent workshops are being looked into, but at this stage they won't be compulsory. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact me at vpwelfare@susu.org.

Kind regards, 

Sam

Monday 9th Apr 2018 12:16pm

Hi Katarzyna,

Thank you for your idea. 

We are always open to ideas about how we can broaden the scope of our Expect Respect campaign. Lately, we have been supporting the Sexual Consent Awareness committee's endeavours. The committee have also been providing voluntary consent workshops, and have been pleased with the turnouts. 

I have been in contact with other Unions/Universities who provide compulsory consent workshops, and so clearly there is some success here. 

I will pass on your idea to relevant University staff, who could advise on the logistics of this. 

 

Kind regards, 

Sam Higman - Vice President Welfare (vpwelfare@susu.org)

Monday 26th Mar 2018 10:30am

Actions

  • Forwarded to Student Life
    Friday 16th Feb 2018 1:19pm

Comments

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  • Maybe a whole workshop would be poorly attended especially by those maybe it is more crucial for

    I think it should just be integrated into the welcome talks, that way it can't be avoided and is a reminder that the university is not supporting this kind of behaviour

    Another link to this would be for there to be less focus on getting super drunk by hall reps etc

    Consent leaflets in welcome packs could be another way of getting the information out in an easy way

     

    Submitted on Wednesday 21st February 2018 15:46 by Elena Christodoulou