Consent
Understanding sexual consent is an essential part of engaging in sexual relationships and will ensure that you are acting respectfully towards your partner, and are not committing a sexual assault.
Sex and consent
Consent is a vital part of engaging in any sexual activity, it means both parties willingly agree to take part in a sexual act, from touching and kissing to oral or penetrative sex. It’s important for everyone’s safety that you understand what consent is. Sex without consent is rape or sexual assault and is against the law. If you are not sure you have consent, then stop and ask!
The University and Students’ Union are jointly promoting zero tolerance on harassment.
Visit our reporting page to tell the University about anything you have seen or experienced that has made you feel uncomfortable. The online form can be completed anonymously if you prefer and is monitored 24/7.
We will investigate everything that is reported and work with you to ensure that appropriate investigations and actions are taken.
Zero Tolerance on Harassment Campaign
Consent
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not an excuse for committing sexual assault. Take a look at Drink Aware's Wouldn't do it Sober, Shouldn't do it Drunk campaign.
You cannot get consent if:
- It is assumed
- Is forced, pressured or violent
- Your partner is asleep
- Your partner is passed out, too drunk
- Your partner doesn't understand what is happening
- Your partner changes their mind.
For more information about understanding the issues of consent, you can watch the YouTube Consent video from Thames Valley Police.
You can also test your knowledge of sexual consent with the Pause Play Stop quiz.
If you have been affected by the content of the consent video and would like to talk to someone in confidence, you can contact the Centre for Wellbeing or Guildford's Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC).