Consent
Before engaging in sexual activity with another person, you must ask them whether they would like to engage in this activity, i.e. have their consent. The absence of a ‘yes’ is always a ‘no.’ Consent must be enthusiastically and freely given - coercing somebody or pressuring somebody to engage in sexual activity is assault.
It is important that before and during sexual activity, that you ask your partner what they feel comfortable with, discuss contraception, and what they would enjoy. Sexual activity should always be safe and enjoyable. For more information on safe and enjoyable sex, see Sexpression St Andrews.
What is consent?
Here is a short video that defines consent.
If you'd like to take part in one of StAnd Together's student-run 'Got Consent?' workshops, times and venues can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/StudentsStAndTogether/
Consent Checklist:
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time before or during sexual activity
- Consent cannot be given when someone is drunk, unconscious, or in any state which would make them unable to give meaningful consent to sexual activity.
- Consent to one form of sexual activity (e.g. kissing) does not mean that consent has been given to any other sexual act.
- Consent cannot be assumed based on previous sexual activity with an individual.
- Consent cannot be assumed based on the parties’ relationship status.
- If somebody consents to sexual activity on the condition that a condom is used, covertly removing the condom during sex is assault.
You must check consent before each and every sexual act.
Sexual Assault
If your physical safety is in danger or you need medical assistance, please call 999.
Rape Crisis Scotland defines sexual assault as: ‘what happens when someone does not consent to a sexual act.’ Sexual assault does not have to be violent in order qualify as assault - sexual assault is any sexual contact that takes place without consent. Sexual assault can happen to anyone of any gender or sexual orientation.
Sexual assault is never the victims fault. There are many emotional and physical responses to assault, including freezing up and all these responses are all valid.
Please be aware that if you shower or clean after an assault, it may remove evidence. If you chose to report your assault to the police, collecting physical evidence of an assault will give your case the best chance of securing prosecution. However, you can still report an incident to the police without physical evidence. No physical evidence does not necessarily mean ‘no case.’ You might not feel like reporting now, but you might in time. So keep the clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault, don’t wash them and put them in a plastic bag.
If you, or someone you know, has experienced any form of sexual misconduct please contact Student Services for help and advice. You can make an appointment to speak with a Life & Wellbeing Adviser by calling 01334 462 020 or by using the online booking system. If you need to speak to someone after the Student Services office is closed, you can call Out of Hours on 01334 476161 and ask for the warden on duty. In an emergency someone is available to speak to you around the clock.
Student Services will take you seriously, respect your feelings and emotions, and help you access specialist help. Student Services will not report the incident/s to the Police without your permission, except in cases where there is reasonably believed to be a significant risk to yourself or others. Should you chose to report the incident/s to the Police, Student Services will support you.
Detailed information about what to do after an assault and St Andrews specific resources can be found here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/personal/sexual-misconduct/
If you feel more comfortable speaking with someone outside the University there are a variety of resources available to you, including:
Rape Crisis Scotland:
Helpline: 08088 01 03 02 (Everyday, 6pm - midnight)
https://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/
Survivors UK (specifically for male victims of sexual assault):
https://www.survivorsuk.org/
Galop (Specifically for LGBT+ community):
http://www.galop.org.uk/sexualviolence/