Please note: This article could hold some triggering content. If you need support, please do contact the Report + Support Team - Report + Support - Report + Support - University of Greenwich
Before reading on, please reflect on what you would say if someone asked you how you would define consent. Would you feel confident in defining it if someone asked you?
What is Consent?
Consent is the ability and freedom to voluntarily consent to anything.
According to the Sexual Offences Act of 2003, an individual gives their permission to sexual conduct if they: Agree voluntarily and possess the capacity and freedom to do so.
Always remember Consent….
- Can not be assumed on the basis of previous interactions or agreements.
- Can be withdrawn at any point. It is your right to change your mind, even though you previously agreed to something.
- Must be enthusiastic. All parties must be enthusiastically engaging in the sexual act.
- Must be ongoing. All parties must be consenting all through the sexual act.
- Must be clearly communicated. All parties must be specific about what they do or do not want. Communication can be verbal, written or physical. Either way, it must be clear to all parties.
What is the Report + Support Service
What support does it provide?
Report and support is the University of Greenwich’s reporting system for all incidences of harassment. This may be issues of bullying, sexual violence, hate crime, and/ or discrimination.
The service is available for students, staff, and visitors of the university and can include events that occur both on and off campus, whether recent or in the past.
A trauma informed approach is taken to establish possible next steps for the individual. Since 2022, the Report + Support service has expanded to help hundreds of people. With reports being either anonymous, allowing the team to establish patterns that need addressing, or discussed with a member of the team, report and support provides a system lead by you for you.
For more information, please visit - Report + Support - Report + Support - University of Greenwich