Monday 28-10-2019 - 11:43

Written by Syirah Ami, Chair of the Bristol SU Women's Network 

Content warning: sexual violence, rape and harassment.

Through a recent Freedom of Information request this year towards universities, it was found that there has been an 82% increase in reports of campus sexual violence. The numbers are worrying, but even more so is the fact that these reports are only a minimum estimate of the reality of sexual violence. Only 8% of students who face sexual assault on campus end up reporting it.

Yet these terrible statistics still don’t depict the reality of the issue for the most vulnerable women. For example, bi and lesbian women are more likely to face sexual violence than heterosexual women. NHS Scotland has also reported that disabled women are at a higher risk.

Additionally, sexual violence is under-reported among ethnic minority communities – there is a stigma surrounding sex in many of these communities, and often there is a (misinformed) conflation of sex and rape. Coming from an Asian Muslim background, my first experience of sexual violence went unreported just because it was linked to my “family’s honour”.

Every woman’s story is different – while statistics can bring to light the severity of the issue, it is also important to recognise that lived experiences are valuable. For Reclaim 2019, we are hoping to feature different types of women in the campaign.

This is an important aspect for women’s empowerment; it is historically common that women from minority groups are left behind in previous waves of feminism. Keep a lookout for the Reclaim Photo Series, featuring different women students and their empowering stories. Additionally, the events run by the Women’s Network throughout Reclaim 2019 aims to be as inclusive and accessible as possible.

The Student Union will also be running proactive campaigns against sexual violence, such as the RESPECT campaign. RESPECT ambassadors will be given bystander training and will help spread consent awareness across campus. Contact Jason Palmer if you would like to be a RESPECT ambassador on campus – this is open to all genders!

Reclaim The Night is where women show that sexual violence will not be tolerated. We stand in solidarity with all women for liberation, including migrants, LGBT+, BME and disabled women. This year we will be having it on 24 November, starting at 5 pm in Queen Square. There will be an after-event, with speeches and performances, from 7-9.30 pm at the Bristol Student Union. Local sexual health and sexual violence support groups will be there. Bring banners and wear your most empowering clothes!

If you have been personally affected by sexual violence or assault, the university has a Report and Support tool you can access here.