#WeGetConsent

By making safe, effective interventions we can stop and prevent future unacceptable behaviour, like harassment and sexual violence. However, we know that often we don't have the knowledge, the skills, or the confidence to be active bystanders.

In 2016/17 the SU piloted a 6-hour module on consent and bystander intervention at Warwick in partnership with the Law and PAIS departments. Since then we've worked with IATL and the Dean of Students' Office to realise our vision of bystander intervention education embedded within the curriculum for all Warwick students.

As a result, in the 2019/20 academic year there were bystander intervention workshops available to all new students in Welcome Week, and an 8-hour course available to undergraduates and PGT students across all three faculties

This year, an Introduction to Bystander Intervention workshop is being delivered to first year undergraduates in every department, and a 10-hour course is available for undergraduate and PGT students in term 2.

Read more about the Community Values Education Programme and sign up to Active Bystander Intervention courses here.

Our #WeGetConsent blog series explores topics relating to sex, consent, and relationships. You might want to start with Amara's simple guide on consent, what it entails and what it isn’t, Jake’s ‘Queering Consent’ blog in conjunction with Pride Week, and Allana’s blog on topics to discuss with sexual partners.

If you’d like to contribute a blog to the series, please email us via campaigns@warwicksu.com.

Got a question about sex, relationships, and consent?

Our group of student volunteers answers students' anonymous questions, so you can get an open honest answer from your peers.

Submit your question here, and check the Facebook page in a couple of days to see it answered!

Communication is key when it comes to sex, relationships and consent!

Sexpression Warwick have put together these great sex communication tips for students. From regularly checking in with your partner to find out how they're feeling, and expressing what you want, to asking for a pause, or discussing safe sex.

We're bringing them to toilet doors near you soon...

If you're feeling unsafe in an SU venue, head to the bar and ask for 'Angela'. Our staff have been trained to help you.

We're campaigning for local venues to adopt the Ask for Angela scheme too!

Find out more about the Ask for Angela scheme here.

Join Sexpression Warwick each week to discuss a different aspect of sex and relationships, from porn to virginity, sex work to sexting.

Discuss With Us is a weekly space to meet new people, understand diverse perspectives, and normalise conversations around sex and relationships.

Join us Wednesdays during term-time, 1-2pm via Teams.

The SU campaigned successfully for a campus-based Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. Charlotte is independent from the University, the Students' Union and the police and employed by CRASAC, our local Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.

If you've been impacted by sexual violence, read Charlotte's letter explaining her role, and how you can get in touch here.

It Happens Here (IHH) is an SU society that aims to provide a community for survivors of sexual violence and their allies, and to raise awareness of sexual violence both at Warwick and on a wider scale.

Join the society and like their Facebook page for updates.

Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week takes place in the first week of February each year and is obserbved at Warwick as an opportunity to raise awareness and tackle the issues of sexual abuse & sexual violence.

Our previous programmes have included film screenings, discussions, campaigns meetings, craftivism events, stalls, sports tasters and drop-in events with CRASAC (Coventry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre).

Get involved with the campaign to help organise the programme for 2020/21!

We embarked on a research project to better understand student experiences of nights out and safety in the local area.

We found that:

• 44% of students had experienced harassment on a night out
• 39% of students had experienced difficulties getting home after a night out
• Key safety concerns included being followed, street harassment, lack of street lighting, bouncers' behaviour, sexual harassment, assault & rape, drink spiking, fights, drugs, racism, homophobia, and transport availability & cost.

The project report includes a spotlight on student safety concerns, and recommendations to tackle issues affecting student safety on nights out. We are working with local stakeholders to implement the recommendations.

If you're looking for more ways to get involved, why not sign up to be a #WeGetConsent ambassador?

#WeGetConsent ambassadors can:

• Determine the direction of the #WeGetConsent campaign
• Organise #WeGetConsent events and activities
• Use their skills to benefit the campaign
• Advertise the campaign and related activities

Show your support for the campaign visibly by picking up one of our campaign wristbands. Wear it to lectures, wear it to socials, wear it at home!

You can pick up your wristband from:

• SU HQ Reception
• SU HQ Workzone
• Campaigns & Communities department in SU HQ
• Welfare & Campaigs Officer in SU HQ

The SU and the University have worked together to launch the Report & Support portal. Here you can make an anonymous report, or request to speak with an adviser, in relation to sexual violence, hate crime/incidents, and bullying.

We have worked with students and the university to include a section on sexual violence and abuse in the Warwick Values Moodle course, which is sent to all students before they arrive at Warwick.

We will be working with students in 2020/21 to review and improve this information.