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What is the Consent and Tackling Sexual Violence Programme?
The Consent and Tackling Sexual Violence programme is a new initiative that is set to become a vital part of students' time at UCL. This trauma-informed workshop aims to empower students to engage critically with rape culture and sexual violence as deeply-rooted cultural issues, and to challenge these issues by being Active Bystanders. The programme also explores consent beyond the law as a lived practice, supporting students to create positive, pleasurable experiences and safer spaces within their friendships, relationships, and their wider UCL community.
In its pilot year, the programme trained almost 150 students, and is expanding for the upcoming academic year. Our aim is for this pilot to become a core part of our larger active bystander programme, and we are dedicated to engaging new societies and departments across our UCL community this year to make that happen!
Honestly I think the workshop was amazing. I learnt a lot and I came away with a greater understanding of how to recognise and how to go about responding to sexual violence acts and what to do if I spot it in our club or in general.
UCL student feedback, 2025-6
Why is this programme needed?
While sexual violence should not be a part of any student's experience, we know that it remains a serious issue, especially at university. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women, 1 in 5 trans people and 1 in 18 men will be victim-survivors of sexual violence at least once in their lives, and university students are more at risk of experiencing sexual violence than any other occupation type [see references at the end of this webpage].
However, sexual violence can be proactively tackled through effective education. When we understand how everyday attitudes and behaviours can lead to sexual violence, we are able to challenge them. Together, we can create safer, more inclusive cultures where sexual violence is far less likely to occur.
I find this workshop really thorough and easy to follow despite it being a difficult subject. I found the real life examples and scenarios highly relatable and therefore allowed me to really understand the topic.
UCL student feedback, 2025-6
How does it work?
The programme consists of a two‑hour, in‑person workshop, usually booked by SU societies or academic departments. The workshop is trauma‑informed and facilitated by our experienced Active Bystander Team, who prioritise creating inclusive, non‑judgemental spaces for students to explore sensitive themes together.
The workshop uses practical examples, videos, scenarios and peer discussion to build students’ understanding of consent as a practice, sexual violence and rape culture. It creates opportunities for students to consider the small actions they can take to address rape culture and sexual violence. This complements our wider Active Bystander Training: small actions can have a big impact!
Get in touch to book a session!
Departments, clubs and societies are encouraged to book live workshops for their students or committee members. To arrange a session, please contact [email protected].
Rape Crisis: "Rape and sexual assault statistics" https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed/statistics-sexual-violence/
Office for National Statistics: "Sexual offences prevalence and victim characteristics, England and Wales" https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/sexualoffencesprevalenceandvictimcharacteristicsenglandandwales
Galop: "Transphobic Hate Crime Report 2020" https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67cee904ccdbce2dd00f65d0/67e6867e8b42c4154a6779f9_Trans-Hate-Crime-Report-2020.pdf
Office for Students: Tackling sexual misconduct in universities and colleges https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/tackling-sexual-misconduct-in-universities-and-colleges/#:~:text=Crime%20survey%20statistics%20show%20that,three%20years%20to%20March%202020