This content is largely drawn from the campaign ran by Noah Yeates (VP-CEDPS 2021-22) and Wiktoria Swoboda (VP-CHMLS 2021-23) – Sex@Brunel - take a look for more information.
safe sex
Starting university can be exciting, it’s often the first time living independently, managing your own life and freedom. It is also a time where you explore new relationships and sexual experiences, so it is really important to make sure you take care of your physical and mental wellbeing by exercising caution and making sure sex is safe.
If you're sexually active it's important to :
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Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
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Use contraception to protect yourself from STIs and unplanned pregnancy (if applicable)
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Start talking about sexual health with your partner(s) and GP
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Learn about sexual health; NHS pages cover common Qs about STIs, preganancy and contraception
Get tested regularly and make use of local services such as the Brunel Medical Centre and Hillingdon Sexual Health Clinic which offer free, confidential STI testing kits and contraception
what is consent?
Consent is the noncoerced, freely given agreement between two or more people. This means each and every individual needs to be sober, of age, and not under threat of violence or manipulation to be able to give consent. Someone doesn’t consent to sexual activity if they:
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Say 'no'
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Seem unsure or upset, stay quiet, move away or don't respond
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Are asleep, unconscious, drunk, drugged or on drugs
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Are pressured, manipulated, tricked or scared into saying 'yes'
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Are too young or vulnerable to have the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
Just as consent can be given, it can also be taken away at any moment. A ‘yes’ now isn't an automatic agreement to the future, near or far, or different acts, no matter how similar.
It's always best to err on the side of caution and not use body language or 'reading between the lines' to find consent.
Sexual Assault
Almost two thirds (62%) of students and graduates have experienced sexual violence at UK universities.
A sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to or is forced into against their will.
It's a form of sexual violence and includes rape (an assault involving penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth), or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse, or the torture of a person in a sexual manner. Sexual violence or assault can happen to anyone of any age.
70% of female students, 26% of male students, 61% of non-binary students, and 73% of disabled students and recent graduates have experienced sexual assault
Where to go for help
If you've experienced SA or you think something may have happened but you are unsure, please reach out for support via the University or specialist support services listed below. It is vital to seek support for any form of SA you (or someone you know) has experienced; it is a significant and serious crime which impacts you psychologically, and physically, requiring sensitive and specialist help.
University Services
Student Support & Welfare Team
The Student Support and Welfare Team provide guidance on a range of personal, welfare and wellbeing issues, as well as offering referals to University Counsellors and Mental Health Advisers. You can contact them via email, phone or in-person - you can also raise a concern about SA either anonymously or with contact details via Report & Support.
Email: studentsupport@brunel.ac.uk
Phone: 01895 268268 (Option 2)
Location: Howell Building on campus
Online: Report & Support Tool
Security
The Security Team operate 24/7 on and off campus. If there is an emergency or you feel at threat or unsafe reach out to security who will be able to help.
Phone: 01895 255786
Email: security-operations@brunel.ac.uk.
Location: Wilfred Brown Building on campus
UAS
The Union's Advice Service (UAS) is here to support you with any wellbeing issues and/or SA experienced. We can listen to you, and if you like, refer you to specialist services for tailored support.
Email: advice@brunel.ac.uk
Phone: 01895 269169
Location: Advice Service, Hamilton Centre on campus
Specialist Support
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs)
SARCs can offer confidential medical and practical support to people who have recently been raped or sexually assaulted. There are centres located across the country and available for everyone, regardless of gender, age, the type of incident, or when it happened. The services are generally provided by the NHS.
Online: NHS - Find a SARC nearby | Support Offerred
Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis operates in England and Wales, it is a charity working to end sexual violence and abuse. They offer a Support Line which is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year for anyone 16 years old, led by specialist staff trained to support you. They have information in over 18 different languages, and have an interpreting service. They also offer self-help tools and activities as well as helpful articles to help understand what has happened, and help you decide what you want to do.
Phone: 0808 500 2222
Email: rcewinfo@rapecrisis.org.uk
Online: Rape Crisis England & Wales | 24/7 Helpline
Galop
Galop are trans-inclusive and are welcoming of anyone from the LGBT+ community (including those who are questioning their identity). If you are a victim of sexual violence, hate crime or domestic abuse we would encourage you to reach out for support.
Phone: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Online: Galop - the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity
If you would like to talk to someone about the organisations listed on this page, and decide which is most suitable for you – reach out to us at the Advice Service and we’re happy to talk.