By Sana Agarwal
On 15 November, LSESU Hands Off hosted the annual Hands Off LSE X Sway event after a successful event last year.
The event raised money for the Survivors Trust, a charity providing survivor-led online and in-person resources for those affected by sexual assault and abuse, whilst simultaneously providing a safe and enjoyable environment.
The event was organised by LSESU Women’s Officer Tito Molokwu, AU President Adriana Beattie and Hands Off committee member Georgie Andrews.
All attendees were encouraged to wear purple as a sign of solidarity and dedication to ending violence towards victims of sexual harassment.
The funds from ticket sales, donations from students, and a purple-themed clothing line in collaboration with the LSE charity shop all contributed towards the cause.
Donations and clothing sales raised around £650, adding to an approximate total of £2000.
Hands Off and Women’s Officer’s team members, called the ‘guardian angels’, also made their debut at the event, seeking to validate, support, and approach disclosure in order to make the event a safe place. All members underwent disclosure training by anti-harassment officer Laura Boland.
The night also marked the introduction of drink covers at Sway to avoid spiking or other incidents, a policy proposal which was passed earlier this year.
Hands Off committee member Charlotte Lewis remarked that “the best part of the night was interactions with people about the charity [and] meaningful conversations spreading awareness”. In addition, she thanked LSE’s student body for their donations and support.
Photo by LSESU Hands Off
