Wednesday 02-05-2018 - 09:17

When was the last time you had a conversation about consent?

Recent campaigns including the #MeToo social media movement have drawn attention to the issue of sexism as well as sexual assault and harassment. But what impact is this having on the way we think about our relationships and are we getting better at communicating about consent? Last week a group of student volunteers led The Elephant in the Room campaign, which aims to start a conversation about consent at Manchester Met and tackling what can be ‘the elephant in the room’— sexual violence, assault and abuse. It’s a tough topic, but by talking about it we can start to raise awareness of the importance of consent and banish the myths surrounding this topic.

Student volunteers spoke to students in the Business School, The Union and Geoffrey Manton across three days, asking you to take selfies with the inflatable elephant and share comments about the topic of consent.

The student-led campaign, run in collaboration with Manchester Met, aims to raise awareness, and speaking with you is one aspect of a wider project to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported whilst at University. Behind the scenes, University staff have been working to evaluate and improve the policies and procedures which enable students to make reports of sexual violence or harassment and get support on or off campus. Together we produced a Be Clear on Consent leaflet which covers the essentials: a definition of consent, common misconceptions on the topic and a list of on campus support and local specialist services.

In a recent survey held by The Student Room and Revolt Sexual Assault, 62% of all students and recent graduates surveyed have experienced sexual violence. Despite the prevalence of sexual violence, only 6% of those students reported their experience to the University. We want to make sure that students feel able to report sexual violence and access support if they want to, as well as supporting students to gain a greater understanding of consent to promote healthy relationships and prevent or reduce sexual violence in all forms.

Some students who approached The Elephant in the Room stall told us that they were happy to see the these kinds of discussions happening, especially at University where it can been seen as normal to experience sexual violence and harassment. 42% of students surveyed agree that actions constituting sexual assault and harassment had become normalised at university.

Our Vice President Cheshire states: "It can be increasingly difficult being a self-identifying woman in today’s society, as although we are more open to talk about when we’re feeling uncomfortable, it seems people are taking us less seriously and labeling us as ‘feminazis’ or ‘unable to take a joke’. If a man is assaulted, he is told he needs to ‘man up, because men always want it’. Too many victims of assault and harassment including unwanted advances, speech and gestures are dismissed — these things are not a joke, they are a violation of our dignity. We need to start the conversations around harassment and assault and continue to educate."

This is only the start. Next academic year The Union, University and student volunteers will be running face to face and online Consent training and continuing to engage with you on campus, keeping the conversation going and making sure students know where to turn if they need support. The Elephant in the Room doesn’t have to be awkwardly ignored — it’s time to speak up about sexual consent.

 

University Support

The Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Service

Counselling, Health and Wellbeing offers you the chance to talk to a professionally trained counsellor, in confidence. The counsellors will listen and respond to disclosures of rape or sexual assault and can support you to access relevant specialist services, should you choose to take further action.

 

The Union Advice Centre

The Union Advice Centre can help you to manage the impact which rape or sexual assault can have on your life as a student. If you need support with exceptional factors or time off from University, the Advice Centre can help you.