You’ve probably heard all about consent before, but how much do you actually know? Do you know exactly what consent is? Or the UK laws around sexual harassment? What about image-based abuse? Or how to support a friend through their experiences? It’s not as simple as ‘No’ means ‘No’. ‘Yes’ can mean no too.
It’s your responsibility to get clued up.
Content Warning:
If this issue is triggering to you, please don’t feel like you need to read our consent guide. We’ll be speaking quite plainly about some sensitive issues.
While reading, you may find that this guide affects you more than you thought it would. If this is the case, then think about seeking further support. We’ve put together a list of support services that you can find at the bottom of this page.
However, if this topic makes you uncomfortable because this isn’t something that you usually think or talk about, then do read on. It’s important to understand consent and to be able to communicate openly about this issue.
What should I do if I was raped or sexually assaulted?
If you have been sexually assaulted, it is important to remember that it wasn't your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don't be afraid to get help. Read our step-by-step advice here, which includes information about how to report to AUB, as well as links to further support services.
Mini Guides
AUB's Report & Support System
Students and staff can report an incident using the
AUB’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from a Wellbeing Officer. If you choose to talk to a Wellbeing Officer they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence, or refer you to other sources of support.
Support Services
• AUB Student Support: provide on-campus wellbeing and counselling support with staff who have received training in sexual assault
• STARS Sexual Trauma And Recovery Service: offers specialist emotional and practical support to survivors who has been affected by sexual trauma of any kind at any time, including ongoing counselling
• The Shores: Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) will collect evidence and can provide an ISVA to support through any criminal investigation and prosecution
• Over The Rainbow: provides sexual health services and support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community
• Dorset Mind provide support, advice and information on mental health and can connect you with local support groups
• Samaritans Helpline offer a safe space for you to talk at any time and can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen
• Sexual Health Dorset offers advice and information on sexual health and can provide STI screenings, pregnancy testing, contraception and emergency contraception
• Outcry Witness: provides support for victims of sexual assault, giving them complete control over their choices. Survivors have the option to create a completely anonymous, free, and secure account on the platform. The easy-to-use form allows survivors to record the details they wish to keep a record of, with the page auto-saving every 20 seconds to ensure no information is lost. Changes can be made at any time, and when ready, users can download their records for their own use as they see fit.
Check our calendar for on-campus sexual health drop-ins with Sexual Health Dorset