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
Report + Support will be highlighting Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week to bring awareness, promote conversation and share support services that are available.
This week was established within the Houses of Parliament back in 2016 where there was a resounding conversation that there was a lack of awareness and conversation about sexual abuse and violence. Ten years later and though there is outreach and conversation, it is still needed to convey a message of support to survivors in letting them know that they are believed and their voices matter and are heard.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is an umbrella term used to describe any form of unwanted sexual activity, including acts carried out through violence, coercion, or manipulation, regardless of the relationship between the individuals involved.
In other words, any kind of sexual activity or act that took place without consent.
What is Sexual Abuse?
When someone is coerced or tricked into engaging in any sexual behaviour with another person, it is considered sexual abuse. Anyone can experience it, whether it takes place in person or online.
Sexual abuse can include, but is not limited to:
- being coerced or forced to engage in sexual activity or have sex;
- someone flashing or exposing themselves to you in person or online;
- being coerced or told to share sexual images or videos of yourself;
- being sent, shown, or given sexual pictures and videos, including porn;
- receiving things or being made to feel as though you owe someone something sexual;
- or engaging in any sexual activity without your consent.
How can I get involved in Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week at the University of Greenwich?
Visit the Dreadnought building on 4 February from 10am–1pm where The Report + Support team will be hosting a stall where you can show your support to the campaign and enjoy a free hot chocolate!
On the same day there will also be a Report + Support drop-in where students can speak to the Report + Support team confidentially and gain further information on the service and what support is available. If you are interested in attending the drop-in, please speak to a member of staff on the stall who will be able to direct or escort you to the drop-in room.
What is the Report + Support Service
What support does it provide?
Report + Support is the University of Greenwich’s online reporting platform for all incidences of harassment. This may include bullying, sexual misconduct, hate crime, and/ or discrimination.
The service is available for students, staff, and visitors to the university and can include events that occur both on and off campus, and online, 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