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Content Warning

The following content includes sensitive topics around sexual harassment & violence, abuse and rape. If you feel that completing this training would be detrimental to your wellbeing, you can complete this form to opt-out of taking part and you will be marked as completing the course on e-Activities. If reading this material has caused you distress, you can contact England and Wales Rape Crisis (0808 802 9999). 

What is inappropriate behaviour

Engaging in a sexual act without the person’s consent is a criminal offence and is considered sexual assault or rape. In an everyday context, consent involves the communication of our personal boundaries and the decision of our peers to respect them.

In order to build a positive culture around consent, we need to acknowledge the impact that our actions can have on those around us. It is also on us as student leaders, if comfortable to call out and report inappropriate behaviour safely. Below is a non-exhaustive list of examples and definitions of non-consensual behaviour and sexual violence to look out for:

Other issues to be aware of:

Although the following issues are not legal offences in the UK, it is important to be aware of them and of your own impact as a committee member on the spaces that you help create. The following issues describe behaviours that go against the College’s Values8 – in certain cases, they may also result in disciplinary action from the Union or the College.

Reporting & Supporting

If you feel comfortable to, we ask that our committee members take on the role of being an active bystander within your committee, CSP and community. You can find out how to be an active bystander by following our guidance in the committee support hub training section12.

Whether you have chosen to be an active bystander or not, you always have the responsibility as a committee member to report the issues that you have noticed within you CSP. There are a number of ways you can do this:

If someone needs support after being a victim of any of the above inappropriate behaviour, you can direct to the below for support: