By Iraz Akkus
Trigger Warning – Sexual Harassment
A rise in on-campus sexual misconduct has sparked a push for university-based campaigns surrounding consent education and programmes against sexual assault. Many doctors, academics, and students are now pressing for universities to review and implement rigorous consent training for all students and staff.
LSESU upholds mandatory Consent Ed training for all students who wish to attend SU events and societies. This mandatory implementation stands in contrast with overall figures from the sector, where men make up only 25% to 30% of the audience in consent workshops.
One representative of Consent Ed stressed the importance of its provision, stating: “LSE is a very diverse place, it’s important that we create a baseline understanding of what consent means.”.
For LSE students, the first line of response is the “Report it, Stop it” page, which any student can access to report misconduct, as well as the Safe Contact page which promises a response within 48 hours.
This year, in collaboration with LSESU Women’s Officer Tito Molokwu and Advisor to Women Sarah Trotter, Women’s Forums will take place twice a term to discuss where and how reporting happens. The forums will also provide general guidance on how to support yourself and your friends.
Molokwu has also been working on a new initiative to ensure that drink covers are readily available and mandatory at every LSE event. The SU are working on offering drink covers for SU related events, both on and off campus. This will also include popular student venues like Sway, The Three Tuns and SU society events.
Charlotte Lewis, alongside Georgie Andrews and the committee of Hands Off, have launched a new initiative called “Locker Room Talks”. The goal of this meeting will be to instigate discussion around sexual violence and harassment culture in sports with Athletics Union societies, especially those with diverse members like Cricket, Netball, Lacrosse and Rugby.
This is intended to create further awareness on issues of student safety and ensure all society members feel comfortable in the Athletics Union. Some key topics include continued misogynistic attitudes, the value of Consent Ed and being an active bystander.
It will also discuss pre-emptive measures for student safety ahead of big events like Carol and the AU Ball. This will take place the week of 6 November.
Students will also see the relaunch of anonymous disclosure forms. An anonymised format will ensure anyone can share their experiences voluntarily and without risk. When submitting, students are not making an official report, but the form provides a helpline for students who may find the official reporting process daunting.
However, Molokwu and Lewis emphasise that there is a long way to go in ensuring students feel safe on campus, in halls, and during university-related activities.
A representative for LSE has stated that, “LSE has worked with the LSE Students’ Union to develop a Consent.Ed educational programme designed to explore issues around consent and create a positive respectful culture where everyone feels safe on campus. Taking part in this programme is expected for all members of the LSE community and a requirement for anyone in a leadership position on a SU committee, society or club as well as for those wishing to attend some of the biggest Students’ Union events throughout the year.”LSE is committed to a working and learning environment where people can achieve their full potential free of all types of harassment and violence. We take any reports of sexual misconduct or violence extremely seriously and any member of the LSE community who has experienced or witnessed incidents of this kind is strongly encouraged to get in touch with a trained Safe Contact for information and support or use our dedicated online portal Report it Stop it. Anyone affected by sexual violence can also access free, confidential, independent support and counselling.”
