Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Drop In

Join Student Services on Thursday the 12th of November for our monthly sexual wellbeing, safety and support drop in. Find us in the library and Portland atriums between 11am and 2pm, or in Chaucer House between 6pm and 8pm. 

Staff and student ambassadors will be available at pop-up stands where you can take part in interactive activities, pick up some freebies, have a 1:1 confidential chat, or just say hello! You really can ask us anything. Nothing is taboo here! 

This month we are focusing on respect, checking your behaviour, and looking out for others.

The University's Ask. Respect. Repeat. campaign focuses on consent in sexual relationships, but respect starts long before that. Respect is a fundamental part of all healthy relationships, whether they are romantic, sexual, platonic, or within wider communities. It's reflected in how we treat one another every day, through our words, actions, and attitudes.

What is respectful behaviour?

• Listening to your partner and taking their feelings seriously
• Supporting each other’s interests, friendships and aspirations
• Talking to each other with kindness, even if you don’t agree on something
• Trusting one another
• Respecting privacy and personal space
• Making decisions together
• Taking responsibility for your actions and apologising when needed
• Respecting boundaries and obtaining consent

Respect is not just about how you treat someone when things are going well, but how you treat them when you disagree or feel frustrated. 

This month, we are encouraging you to reflect on how you treat other people, whether that's someone you're in a sexual or romantic relationship with, a friend, or someone you encounter in your everyday life.

Ask yourself:

• Do you listen to others' points of view, even when you disagree with them?
• Do you respect people's boundaries without pressure, persuasion, or argument?
• Do you respect other people's independence, friendships, and interests?
• Do you handle conflict without intimidation, insults, threats, or aggression?
• Do you respect other people's choices about what they wear and who they spend time with?
• Do you behave in a way that helps others feel safe when you're out and about?
• Do you avoid making unwanted comments about other people's bodies or appearance?
• Do you respect that people have the right to move through public spaces without unwanted attention?
• Do you challenge disrespectful behaviour when it is safe and appropriate to do so?

Nobody gets it right all the time. But if you can think of a situation where your behaviour crossed a boundary or left someone feeling hurt, embarrassed, pressured, controlled, or uncomfortable, don't dismiss it. Being honest with yourself about your actions is how real change begins. You can find out more via Safer Together Hants, speak to our Wellbeing Service, or get support from our 24/7 Student wellbeing helpline.

At University, we encourage all students, where it is safe to do so, to challenge behaviour and language that is harmful, disrespectful, or inappropriate. This might mean having a sensitive conversation with a friend if you're concerned about their relationship, telling a mate that a comment they've made isn't okay, refusing to laugh along with harmful behaviour, distracting or interrupting a situation if someone appears uncomfortable, or reporting concerns through our Report and Support tool.

Small actions can make a big difference in helping to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for everyone. You can find out more about how to be an active bystander here. 

For more information about your sexual wellbeing, safety and support, visit here.

We take all reports of relationship abuse and sexual misconduct seriously. If something has happened to you, please remember that it is not your fault. There is a wide range of support available, and you do not have to face it alone. You can request contact from an advisor via our Report and Support tool. 

For more information about your sexual wellbeing, safety and support, visit here

We take all reports of sexual misconduct seriously. If something has happened to you, please remember that it is not your fault. There is a wide range of support available, and you do not have to face it alone.