Image
Advice and support on all things sex and relationships
Talking about sex and relationships may not be something you’ve discussed openly before.
At Portsmouth we want to empower you to feel confident to explore sex and relationships safely, know how to access support, and to understand what consent actually means.
Trigger warning
We cover some topics here that may be uncomfortable to read if you've had a difficult experience.
If you're a current student at Portsmouth and you need urgent support, find out how to get support after sexual assault, violence or harassment or get urgent support for your wellbeing if you feel in crisis.
Consent in sexual relationships
Ask. Respect. Repeat.
It’s how we do things at Portsmouth.
Consent in a sexual relationship isn’t just about getting a yes. It’s about making sure that yes is genuine and enthusiastic.
And remember; consent is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time thing.
What consent really means
- Asking things like “Is this okay?” before changing what you’re doing
- Making sure both people are into it before any physical touch
- Reminding your partner they can stop anytime
- Checking in during the moment (e.g. “still good?”)
- Giving a thumbs-up or saying you’re comfortable
- Saying “yes” or something like “I’m up for that”
What consent does not mean
- Ignoring a “no”
- Going ahead when someone seems distant, upset or silent
- Assuming consent because of clothes, flirting, or past hook-ups
- Involving someone under the legal age of consent
- Continuing when someone’s drunk or high
- Using pressure, fear or guilt
- Thinking past consent means future consent
Things to remember
Remember, not all sexual relationships are portrayed realistically in the media and online, especially in porn.
When approaching sex and relationships, remember that consent is rarely displayed in porn, and your partner shouldn't be expected to perform in the same way either.
If drugs or alcohol are a factor in your sex or relationship, consent can be harder to be sure of. If you or your partner is too drunk or high to make informed decisions, or if your partner is unconscious, then you should stop engaging in any kind of sexual activity. This includes touching or kissing.
In the UK, consent cannot be given by anyone under the age of 16.
Whilst a 16 or 17-year-old can legally consent to sex, it is important to recognise that there could be a power imbalance if an adult aged 18 or above is having sex with them. This is because 16 and 17-year-olds are still considered children.
It is also important to note that creating, sending, or receiving an image of someone under 18 is illegal.
All students are required to complete mandatory training on consent and sexual misconduct. Keep an eye on your student email for more information.
Read more about Sex and consent.
Are you worried about someone else’s behaviour?
Calling out someone else’s behaviour can feel daunting, but as a member of the student community you play a big part in helping others to feel safe and fostering a culture of respect. We encourage students to be active bystanders by stepping in and standing up to inappropriate jokes, comments, or behaviour, but only if it is safe to do so.
Watch this quick video for some tips and ideas
If you witness something that is causing harm or could cause harm to someone else, please report it. In an emergency you can contact the Police on 999, or you can speak to a member of staff if you are in a public venue such as a security staff member or someone behind the bar.
If you are worried about a friend or someone you know, you can raise a concern about them and a member of Student Services will be in touch.
Are you worried about your own behaviour?
If you’ve noticed behaviours in yourself that don’t feel right, we’re not here to judge you. Many of us grow up surrounded by confusing or unhelpful messages from social media, TV, porn, and the people around us. What matters is recognising when something needs to change - and reaching out is a strong, positive step.
Change is possible, and you don’t have to do it on your own.
You can access support via our Student Wellbeing Service.
Sexual health
If you're sexually active, it's important to take care of your sexual health. Your sexual health can impact on your physical and mental wellbeing, but there is lots of support and local services available to help you feel in control and to stay safe. By taking care of your sexual health, you are also taking care of the sexual health of others.
Make sure you know the risks and how to avoid them by reading up about sexual health on the Lets Talk About It website – your local sexual health service in Portsmouth. They also have a dedicated page for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Not all STI’s show symptoms, so it’s really important to take precautions and undertake regular STI screening.
Sexual Health Services
At the University of Portsmouth, you can access free contraception and general sexual health advice and guidance from Student Services. Email [email protected] for more information.
You can get medical support for your sexual health, including free contraception and STI checks, from the following services:
-
In Portsmouth, you can visit St Mary's Community Health Campus and book an appointment or a home testing kit online via Hampshire and IOW Healthcare Sexual Health Services
-
On our London campus, you can access Sexual health services in Waltham Forest
-
Your local doctor
-
In England, call the Sexual Health Line on 0300 123 7123 or NHS 111
-
In Wales, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
-
In Scotland, call NHS 24 on 111
-
In Northern Ireland, call the FPA helpline on 0345 122 8687
Sexual assault, violence or harassment
We take every report of sexual assault, violence or harassment seriously. If you're a victim of sexual assault, it's important to know that you're not to blame and there are confidential services you can go to for support and advice.
We have a dedicated team of six Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) at the University.
SVLOs will:
-
Listen to you without judgment and take what has happened to you seriously
-
Think about any practical support you might need to help keep you safe at University
-
Advise you on the reporting options available to you and support you to progress these if you choose to
-
Signpost or refer you to emotional support within the University, or to specialist external support agencies
You can choose whether you want to speak to a male or a female SVLO, and meetings are held in a way that feels most comfortable for you. These can be in person, over the phone, or held virtually.
More advice to stay safe
Safety on and around campus
Read our tips and advice on how to look after yourself and your friends, and find out how we're keeping our campus – and our city – a safe and welcoming place to live and study.
Staying safe on a night out
Check out our tips on staying safe on a night out so you can make the most of it.
Keeping your information secure
Find out how to keep your personal details and your money in the right hands.
Enable University alerts
Turn on notifications for critical updates like closures, safety alerts, and urgent service disruptions.