This Union Notes

• There is a lack of education for students on the complexities of consent. Students who reach further and higher education come from a range of backgrounds and have different levels of understanding of consent. Consent is not part of the current curriculum, so we rely on students to learn about consent from family or friends

• According to the Guardian an estimated 50,000 incidents of sexual abuse or harassment take place in universities in England and Wales every year

• Over 10 years ago, in 2010 NUS produced their report 'Hidden Marks'. This report highlights that 68% of women students surveyed had experienced some form of verbal or non-verbal harassment in or around their institution. This included groping, flashing or unwanted sexual comments. In addition, 25% of respondents had experienced sexual assault during their time as a student

This Union Believes

• No student should have to experience or fear sexual violence or harassment. We believe that a zero-tolerance approach, backed by support and resources for prevention, reporting, and helping those who have experienced sexual violence is essential.

• That is a university community’s responsibility to ensure all of our students are trained in consent and active by standing, and that all the departments and organisations on campus should work alongside each other to provide a safe atmosphere for students.

This Union Resolves:

• To mandate the Vice President of Student Life to lobby Sports to include consent, with an opt-out option, as a part of their sports training

• The Union must provide mandatory consent training, with an opt-out option, to all staff, volunteers, and societies

• To mandate the Union Sabbatical Officers to actively lobby the University to provide consent training, with an opt-out option, as a part of induction