No Means No Report Released
No Means No – Bristol SU shares results of Consent Culture and Sexual Harassment Research
Earlier this year Bristol Students’ Union launched a survey to start a research project into consent culture and sexual harassment at the University of Bristol.
The research was commissioned by Jason Palmer, Equality, Liberation and Access Officer 2019-2021 and follows on from Bristol SU’s 2018 Let’s Talk about Sex survey which reported that over half of students who completed the survey had experienced sexual harassment.
885 students completed the initial online self-selection survey which formed the first part of the ‘No means No’ research, and has provided a series of recommendations for Bristol SU and the University of Bristol to work towards.
Some of the key findings within the research highlighted areas such as students not feeling comfortable asking for or verbalizing consent, low awareness of where to go for help, and 1 in 2 students expecting to experience sexual harassment at university.
Leah Martindale, the current Equality, Liberation and Access Officer said:
“The fact that 1 in 2 students expect to experience sexual harassment at university shows the wider issue around consent and harassment in society. These issues recur on the news again and again – it's heartbreaking to see. I want this research to help us switch up what we do at the University, but we all have a responsibility for change in wider society.”
Tackling Sexual Violence and Misconduct and improving the culture of consent at Bristol is one of the 2021/22 Bristol SU Officer team priorities.
Leah continues:
“The aim of the research was to develop our understanding in order to help us improve the support available to students and inform our approach to sex and consult education at Bristol. Some of the statistics from this research are really worrying and highlight some of the wider issues around consent and harassment in our society.
I’m really determined that we use this research to improve the lives of all Bristol students. The results have given us a better understanding of what needs to happen next and have provided a good evidence base to present to the university.”
Bristol SU will work in partnership with the University of Bristol on these published recommendations and hold them and ourselves accountable for tackling sexual violence in our student community.
You can read the full report and recommendations online at bristolsu.org.uk/research.
How can I get involved?
After completing the first stage of our research, we’re interested in exploring the following topics further:
• Consent education
• The role of student societies and sports clubs in preventing sexual misconduct
If you would like to share your views, details on how to participate are provided below.
Focus groups on consent education
This session will explore student perspectives on consent education. It will explore your experiences of sex and relationships education before university, and since starting university, and will seek to understand what role you feel the University should play in educating students about consent.
Sessions will be held:
5pm – 6.30pm on Wednesday 17 November (Face-to-face) Sign up
5pm – 6.30pm on Thursday 18 November (Virtual) Sign up
Focus groups on the role of student societies and committees in preventing sexual misconduct
This session is for current society and club committee members. It will explore the role of societies and clubs in preventing sexual misconduct, and will explore different scenarios to understand levels of confidence among committee members when it comes to preventing – or responding to – incidents of sexual misconduct.
Sessions will be held:
5 – 6.30pm on Wednesday 10 November (Face-to-face) Sign up
5 – 6.30pm on Thursday 11 November (Virtual) Sign up
--
If you have experience of sexual violence then you might find one of the following services useful:
- The Bridge can provide guidance on ways of reporting rape or sexual assault www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk/
- At the University you can speak directly to a trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officer www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/wellbeing/report-unacceptable-behaviour/sexual-violence/
- For help and guidance around sexual violence and abuse please contact: Somerset & Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support: Women & Girls 0808 801 0456, Men & Boys 0808 801 0464
- If you wish to access support you may find the Bristol Survivor Pathway helpful, which can direct you to appropriate services in the Bristol area: www.survivorpathway.org.uk/bristol/
