First year university students can now attend a talk on sexual consent as part of freshers week....
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-...cambridge-university
The last paragraph by the student explains that the presentation included testimony from young women who have had issues with consent. It was promoted last month as compulsory attendance for all first years, according to the article.
I think there has been some careful thinking behind developing this initiative, and I wonder if an attempt at 'scaring people into feeling safe' negates people's right to feel safe, and the compulsory attendance negates their right to choose?
I completely support conversations being had about sexual consent, having grown up in a generation when I 'knew' [thought] it was completely down to me to stay safe - it never occurred to me at that age that any responsibility was with the 'lads' in terms of their choices/behaviour. As well, I think it is essential that young people know they have a voice and choice in terms of sexual consent. I just think it is about so much more beyond - including Early Warning Signs, Theme 1, Theme 2, rights and responsibilities and lots more. Leads me to wonder whether a talk on PBs would be more effective than the current trend of campaigns to communicate "Yes means Yes."
Judith
