Tuesday 15-11-2016 - 11:15

Yes, the title sounds a little abrupt but it’s true. Sadly, the notion of consent is normally lost in translation when it comes to sex. The following blog isn’t as light-hearted as my others but, this is something that is important to everyone because let’s face it, no one likes a rapist.

 

A report published by the Telegraph in 2015 shows that 1 in 3 female students are sexually assaulted in British Universities across the country however, sexual assault and unwanted advances are not just isolated to women. 1 in 8 men are also subject to the same unwanted advances as women within higher education across the UK. These statistics are utterly shocking, and as a result things need to change! 

 

The I Heart Consent campaign is an initiative set up by the National Union of Students (NUS). This campaign aims to create a positive and inclusive environment around campus, by opening up conversations around the topic of sexual consent. 

 

So, why is this important? Surely everyone knows what consent is, right? Well you’d be surprised, currently in the UK sexual consent is not part of sex and relationship education (IKR!) this means that as a result, consent is not communicated as an essential part of any sexual interactions. By creating an inclusive environment and tackling heteronormative views on society through everyday conversations can be a good way to engage and educate people who previously just haven’t had the opportunity to talk about consent. Because let’s face it, who doesn’t like talking!

 

The aims of the I Heart Consent campaign is simple, it looks at problematic perspectives around rape culture, sexual consent and harassment, tackles myths surrounding consent and rape, people misunderstandings and victim blaming.  This is done through workshops that have been developed to start discussions with your peers and also challenge the way you, and others think regarding consent. 

 

Glyndwr University and the Students’ Union both agree that LAD culture, where sexual assault and harassment are normalised through behaviours, actions and beliefs plays no part in higher education. Just because someone dresses in a specific way, does not mean they are ‘easy’, ‘asking for it’ or ‘looking for sex’. LAD culture is widespread across UK universities and we want to change that! 

 

So what is LAD culture? Well, LAD culture is an umbrella term used to encompass a wide variety of different aspects like, but not limited to, victim blaming, street harassment, openly making jokes about rape and teaching a person not to get raped instead of teaching people not to commit rape in the first place. 

 

Making the University a safe place is everyone’s responsibility. The Students’ Union will be holding I Heart Consent workshops throughout the coming year which both staff and students can book onto to attend (make sure you keep an eye on our website for the dates!), equally staff around the University are starting to wear the I Heart Consent lanyards showing you it is okay to approach them with an issue regarding consent and openly welcome the conversations. 

 

Remember, this is your campus and you have the right to feel safe in whatever you do. So stand up, speak out, become a consent champion by attending one of our workshops and if you want to get involved then pop down to the Students’ Union and have a chat with me. 

 

If you or someone you know is still a little confused about the concept of consent then follow this link to an awesome video that replaces sex with tea. (Because we are British and we love a good cuppa!)        #ReclaimYourCampus 

 

- Travis, Vice President