We want anyone who identifies as a woman to know that as a Students’ Union we stand with you. It is a harrowing truth that women are more likely to face sexual harassment and be survivors of abuse than men across the world. This week, UN Women released a study finding that over 70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public spaces. Sexual violence and harassment are an everyday reality of being a woman and this simply should not be the case. Women have the right to walk down the street, day or night, free from fear of being attacked, kidnapped, or murdered.

We know that there isn’t a simple solution, but we believe that action needs to be taken to address this important issue. We want our campus and our community to be a safe place for all. More action needs to be done to step up and challenge the culture of misogyny in our society and do better. It’s time to stop passively accepting violence against women as a social norm. More action needs to be done to provide more appropriate care and support for women and girls who have experienced trauma linked to violence and abuse. 

It’s everyone's responsibility to take progressive actions. Start by actively calling out any instances of sexual harassment and abuse. We need to move from actions that focus on women “protecting themselves” to meaningful conversations with everyone. This will create positive, proactive and permanent change to stop violence against women. 

The Students’ Union will continue to work in close partnership with the University of Plymouth to ensure that Plymouth is as safe as it can be for all female residents. We will be working with our women’s networks and help to campaign and educate on this pressing issue. However, we know that there is still lot more work to be done.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Sarah Everard and with anyone who identifies as a woman who doesn’t feel safe. 

If you would like to be involved and be part of shaping Students’ Union activity in this area, please get in touch.

• Fawziyyah Ahmed, VP Wellbeing & Diversity
• Jessica Andrews Smith, Women's Officer

For anyone who has been affected by these recent events or just needs some support, please get in touch with the support services, they are here for you.?
 

Support for University of Plymouth Staff and Students

• University of Plymouth Women's Network
• Report abuse, harm or hate anonymously via Speak Up
• Contact the Student Hub
• Staff can access confidential information on domestic abuse and more
• Students can visit our support pages on domestic abuse
• Students could also contact UPSU Advice confidentially
• Read the University’s Policy on responding to Sexual Violence and Misconduct
   

Support in Plymouth

Adults and their children escaping domestic abuse can break any Covid-19 lockdown restrictions to ensure their safety. Women’s Aid also offer free train travel for anyone travelling to refuge accommodation.

• Plymouth’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre can be contacted on 0300 3034626, for more information please click here
• Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services
• Plymouth Refuge are available on 01752 562286
• Women’s Aid 24-hour helpline: 0808 2000 247
• If you’ve been affected by abuse you can call Victim Support on 0808 168 9111

Support Online

Only download and install apps if it is safe to do so and you are sure your mobile phone is not being monitored.

• Bright Sky ?is a free-to-download mobile app, providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.  
• Hollie Guard ?is a smartphone app which essentially transforms your smartphone into a personal safety device. All you need to do is shake your phone or tap the screen and you generate an alert, which automatically sends your location and audio/video evidence to your emergency contacts.