What is consent?

Consent is defined by section 74 Sexual Offences Act 2003. Someone consents to vaginal, anal or oral penetration only if they agree by choice to that penetration and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice. Consent to sexual activity may be given to one sort of sexual activity but not another, e.g.to vaginal but not anal sex. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, once consent is withdrawn you must stop engaging in sexual activity immediately.

 

Ensuring you have consent

You must make sure the other person is participating freely and readily. You can confirm if you have consent both verbally and by checking the other person’s body language. Somebody who is asleep or unconscious cannot give consent. If they seem unhappy you must stop. Silence, or the absence of a “no”, does not guarantee somebody is consenting. A clear affirmative freely-given “yes” indicates consent.

 

What is rape?

Sex without consent is rape. Rape is a crime. Being drunk makes the complainant vulnerable, it does not mean they were ‘asking for it’. Most victims do not fight; resistance and self-protection/defence can be through dissociation, freezing or trying to befriend the defendant.

 

Reporting

Every student deserves to feel safe at University, any instances relating to sexual violence or assault are unacceptable and are always taken seriously. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted it is your choce whether you choose to report it to the police. If you wish to report sexual violence to the police, the sooner this can take place the more likelihood there is of gathering evidence. 

You should call 999 if someone is in immediate danger, a crime is taking place or has just happened.

In a non-emergency situation you can call 101 or report a crime online. 

If you wish to report harassment, bullying or violence to the University or Student Union, here is the information and links to make a report. 

 

Accessing support

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) in Winchester offers a free, confidential listening and support service to anyone who has been raped and/or sexually abused and is suffering from sexual trauma as a consequence of their unwanted experiences. 

You can aslo seek support from Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre. They offer medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been reaped or sexually assaulted. This service is completely free to access. 

You can visit the 'In Crisis' section of our website for more links to support available, including Student Support