Thursday 21-09-2017 - 14:36

We’re looking for a number of committed students to lead on a campaign tackling sexual harassment and violence.*

If you want to be a force for positive change from shifting attitudes and behaviors, to enhancing policies and procedures, then this is a great opportunity for you. You will learn key skills along the way and gain confidence as a campaigner. You can find the full role description here and check out this leaflet to find out more about sexual consent.

 

 

What is the project?

At a time when consent, healthy relationships and tackling sexual violence in Higher Education are a point of discussion and public attention — this is an opportunity to take positive action, raise awareness and make change in your student community.

Universities across the UK are reflecting on and improving their practices when it comes to preventing, responding to and supporting survivors of sexual violence. Following a report by Universities UK called ‘Changing the Culture’, there has been a wave of support for initiatives and campaigns to do exactly that. The Union and Manchester Met have successfully bid for Catalyst Funding from HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England) to develop training and a student-led campaign in this area.

 

What skills will I gain?

You will receive training to help you understand and analyse the problem as well as developing campaigning and leadership skills. You will be supported to build networks with organisations and individuals you may want to work with too. If you are enthusiastic, positive and hardworking, you could make a great volunteer campaign leader. 

You’ll be supported to explore the work of on-campus and local services, as well as campaigning activities in this area, to narrow down a campaign focus and build partnerships. With the support of our Campaigns Coordinator, you’ll focus on an aim, a set of objectives and an action plan for the academic year, gaining experience of running a campaign from start to finish. The closing date to get in touch about the opportunity is 12pm on Monday 23 October.

 

How else can I get involved?

There is a wealth of knowledge and experience available within The Union and the student movement as a whole; for example NUS’ (National Union of Students) Stand by Me campaign, which successfully lobbied universities for better guidelines and responses to sexual violence, or the I <3 Consent campaign, which educates students on consent and challenges victim-blaming.

If you have any questions please contact our Campaigns Coordinator, Molly Maher: M.Maher@mmu.ac.uk

 

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, recently or in the past, there is a range of support available to you, whether or not you choose to make a report to the police.

University Support - The Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Service offers you the chance to talk to a professionally trained counsellor, in confidence.

The counsellors will listen and respond to disclosures of rape or sexual assault and can support you to access relevant specialist services, should you choose to take further action.

Tel: 0161 247 3493

Email: counselling@mmu.ac.uk

www.mmu.ac.uk/counselling

 

The Union Advice Centre - The Union Advice Centre can help you to manage the impact that rape or sexual assault can have on your life as a student.

If you need support with exceptional factors or time off from university, the Advice Centre can help you.

Tel: 0161 247 6533

Email: s.u.advice@mmu.ac.uk

www.theunionmmu.org/your-advice-centre/

 

*Jargon buster:

Sexual violence and sexual harassment

Sexual violence means any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, and harassment means aggressive pressure or intimidation. Anyone can experience sexual violence or harassment no matter what your gender, relationship status or sexual orientation is.

Consent

Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. You can find out more about sexual consent here.

Survivors

Some people who have experienced sexual violence, abuse or assault choose to identify as a survivor. You can find out more about this term here.

Victim blaming

Victim blaming occurs when the victim of a crime, or any wrongful act, is held entirely or partially responsible for the harm that occurred.