With many of our students dressing up and heading out for Halloween celebrations we wanted to remind our community to look after each other and ensure we are treating each other with respect.

As a community it’s important to call harmful behaviour out and ensure that we are all behaving in ways that don’t negatively impact those around us.

‘Safer nightlife is about looking out for each other so when someone experiences unwanted, predatory, creepy or violent behaviour, it’s everyone’s problem.’ (Good Night Out, 2024)

Consent:

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says that someone consents to sexual activity if they:

• Agree by choice and
• Have both the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

If someone says ‘no’ to any kind of sexual activity, they are not agreeing to it.

But, if someone doesn't say ‘no’ out loud, that doesn’t automatically mean that they have agreed to it either. If someone seems unsure, stays quiet, moves away or doesn’t respond, they are not agreeing to sexual activity.

Someone doesn’t have the freedom and capacity to agree to sexual activity by choice if:

• They are asleep or unconscious.
• They are drunk or ‘on’ drugs.
• They have been ‘spiked’.
• They are too young.
• They have a mental health disorder or illness that means they are unable to make a choice.
• They are being pressured, bullied, manipulated, tricked or scared into saying 'yes’.
• The other person is using physical force against them.

If someone's not sure whether you are giving your consent for something sexual, they should check with you. If they can see or suspect you're not 100% comfortable or happy with what's happening between you, they should stop.

You always have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. If you do – the other person should stop.

Read more about consent here  How to give and get consent – Brook

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is ANY unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel upset, scared, offended or humiliated, or is meant to make them feel that way.

Sexual harassment can take many forms including:

• Unwanted sexual advances or flirting
• Sexual comments or noises i.e catcalling or wolf whistling
• Unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature – i.e hugging, kissing, pressing up against someone.
• Sexual ‘jokes’
• Pressuring somebody to be in a romantic relationship 
• Upskirting/Downblousing (taking a photo or video under another person’s clothing)
• Leering, staring or suggestive looks.
• Commenting on someone’s body, appearance or what they’re wearing or their sex life
• Spreading sexual rumours
• Indecent exposure (flashing)
• Cyberflashing (sending unsolicited sexual images)

What is sexual assault?

‘Sexual assault’ is commonly used to refer to any form of sexual violence or abuse that involves physical contact between the perpetrator (person responsible) and the victim or survivor.

Someone can commit sexual assault if:

They intentionally touch another person, in a sexual manner without consent. The touching can be with any part of the body or with anything else.

This could include:

• Kissing
• Touching someone’s genitals, breasts or bottom – including through clothing.
• Touching any part of the body in a sexual manner i.e stroking someone’s thigh.
• The perpetrator making someone else touch them in a sexual manner.
• Pressing up against another person for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner.
• Touching someone’s clothing if done for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, lifting up someone’s skirt.

However, please know that this is not a full list. Just because something isn’t included here doesn’t mean it isn’t sexual assault.

Consent is key – if you have not or cannot give consent for somebody to touch you in a sexual manner then they shouldn’t.

What to do if you witness this behaviour?

It can be hard to know what to do if you see someone being harassed or assaulted. Here’s some tips on how you can be an active bystander:

Before stepping in, try the ABC approach.

• Assess for safety: If you see someone in trouble, ask yourself if you can help safely in any way. Remember, your personal safety is a priority – never put yourself at risk.
• Be in a group: It’s safer to call out behaviour or intervene in a group. If this is not an option, report it to someone in a position of authority (i.e security guard) who can act.
• Care for the victim. You can try asking them if they’re okay or if you can call anyone for them. You can also remind them that what happened wasn’t their fault and is not ok. 

Catcalling, pestering, unwanted sexual advances and nonconsensual touching can often be excused as ‘banter’ or ‘nothing’ but this behaviour has the potential to effect somebody for the rest of their life, not just their night.

Support and reporting – where can I go for support at UWE if I have experienced sexual violence?

UWE Bristol's Anti-Sexual Violence Service

provides a non-judgemental, inclusive and confidential safe space for you to seek support if you have experienced sexual trauma of any kind, even if you don’t want to report something.

You can refer yourself directly online or UWE Bristol staff and other professionals can support you in filling out the self-referral form. Anti-Sexual Violence Service - Stay safe on and off campus | UWE Bristol

UWE Report and Support tool

Developed for UWE Bristol students to get help if you've experienced something on campus or on university business that makes you feel upset or uncomfortable.

With Report and Support, you can choose to speak with one of UWE's trained advisers so they can discretely investigate incidents, or you can report issues anonymously.

Serious Concerns Line

If you are worried or concerned about yourself or another student, please call the Serious Concerns Line at any time of day or night, including the weekends. +44 (0)117 32 84000

UWE Wellbeing Service

Counselling and mental health support for registered students who need to explore their difficulties in more depth using solution-focused methods. Wellbeing Service - Get wellbeing support | UWE Bristol

Students’ Union at UWE complaints

 If you wish to make a complaint about the behaviour of a member, officer or staff of the Union we would like you to tell us. We will investigate your feedback or complaint, let you know the outcome and do everything we can to put things right. Complaints (thestudentsunion.co.uk)

Rape Crisis – England and Wales

Their Support Line is staffed by trained specialists who are there to listen to you, believe you and answer any questions that you have. 0808 500 2222 or Want to talk? | Rape Crisis England & Wales