This week, the University and the Students’ Union will continue their work to raise awareness of sexual consent.

The campaign,  - a close collaboration between the University, Students’ Union and the Safer Sussex group, has developed  materials  to raise  awareness of this issue, including  the publication of a booklet titled “We Value Sexual Consent” which is linked to a comprehensive online support page. Copies of the booklet have been placed in all halls of residence and will also be distributed on campus this week.

Throughout the week a number of events, run by the Students’ Union, will be taking place both to raise awareness and look at some of the key issues surrounding sexual consent.

The first event, sees Dr Alison Phipps talking about her current research, followed by a screening of the documentary ’The Hunting Ground’. The talk will be held in Fulton 103 at 15.30 and the screening at 17.00 in Fulton B.

Consent week aims to underline the importance that both the University and the Students’ Union place on healthy relationships and to provide the opportunity to discuss issues around this.

However, raising awareness of sexual consent may encourage more students to disclose their experience of sexual harassment or violence. The University has a dedicated Care Pathway, which provides detailed guidance for staff supporting students who have disclosed either sexual violence or harrassment.

It is best practice to refer any student making such a disclosure to either the Student Life Centre  (01273 87 6767) in  office hours or to the Residential Support team (through Security) at night and at the weekends. Please see the Sexual Consent web page for full details of both the internal and external support available throughout the day and night.