It features a range of articles for the University community about what consent is; information on the resources and support services available for someone who has been subjected to sexual violence; as well as the impact of committing sexual violence.
The platform will have more content published throughout the academic year for the University community to read, watch and listen to. From meeting the University teams who care for your welfare and learning about the institutional policies and procedures in place, to the steps to becoming an active bystander, we’ll be covering a wide range of matters under the themes.
The launch of the website coincides with the first day of White Ribbon’s 16 Days of Action To End Violence Against Women, which runs from 25 November-10 December.
It also follows an email sent from the Vice-Chancellor to all students in October about violence against women after the significant media coverage of the murders of Sabina Nessa and Sarah Everard.
Loughborough University has launched the campaign to take a clear stance on our values and the culture we want to foster at our institution. Since the death of Sarah Everard in March 2021, more than 80 women across the UK have allegedly been killed by men. Research suggests 90% of perpetrators are known to the person who has been subjected to sexual violence, as a current or former intimate partner, date, friend, colleague or family member.
Violence against women will not be tolerated at Loughborough, and disciplinary action will be taken against perpetrators.
On Wednesday 1 December from 5pm-6.30pm, the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity team will be hosting an online drop-in session for students and staff members to ask any questions about the subjects covered in the campaign, or any other related queries they may have. It is intended to be a safe space, and those who are interested in attending can join via MS Teams here.
Duty Assessment and Inclusion Manager Lisa Brooks-Lewis said: “As Co-Chair of the Sexual Violence Working Group, I am happy that students and staff will now be able to see all dedicated information around sexual violence in one website. This reflects the ongoing work we have committed to since 2016 to reduce the stigma of talking about sex, as well as supporting students and staff who have been subjected to sexual violence.”
The University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings added: “This is a vital issue for all of us to engage with. Understanding consent, learning about the impact of sexual violence and knowing what support is available is a key part of what it means to be a member of the Loughborough community and a building block in the fight to end violence against women. I encourage all students and staff to engage with these resources and with the 16 Days of Action more broadly.”
The website can be viewed online here.