a purple graphic with consent related icons surrounding the words We Love Consent

We Love Consent

TW: Mentions of sexual harassment, abuse and rape.

The Guild is committed to promoting healthy and consensual relationships. We have adopted our We Love Consent campaign to persistently send the message that it’s always your choice to give consent or not, and that you have the right to say no at any time, for any reason.

In sexual relationships, consent means that all people involved freely agree to take part. Consent applies regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Agreeing to sex once does not mean blanket agreement or that you must agree again. Being in a long-term relationship or married does not remove your right to say no at any point.

We have lots more information about consent and healthy relationships and what it means within our Health and Wellbeing Hub.

Key Facts

Sexual activity following any sort of coercion or intimidation is not consensual.

A person cannot give consent if they are asleep or unconscious, threatened or forced, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Consent can be non-verbal communication as well as verbal, such as body language or facial expressions.

Silence is not consent. The other person must clearly and freely agree.

Consent
Workshops
Relationships
Help Others
Support

What Is Consent? Think FRIES

F

Freely Given

Consent must be freely given, not pressured or coerced

R

Reversible

It’s ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time

I

Informed

I know what I'm consenting to and have capacity to understand what giving consent means

E

Enthusiastic

Affirmative consent means saying yes willingly, not from fear or coercion. Body language matters – silence is not consent

S

Specific

A “yes” to one activity, like kissing, is not a “yes” to everything

We Love Consent Workshops

We have developed bespoke peer-led consent workshops to enable students to look at what consent is and isn’t in a comfortable and safe environment.

Workshop Events

Workshops cover:

  • Behaviours and how society has shaped gender narratives around consent
  • How consent can be established.
  • The impact of sexual harassment.
  • How to be an active ‘bystander’ and challenge unacceptable behaviour when it’s witnessed. 

All students are welcome. Plese get in touch if you or your peer groups are keen to learn more.

There are currently no events listed. Please check back later.

Healthy v Unhealthy Relationships

Signs of a
Healthy Relationship

  • makes you feel positive
  • makes you feel safe
  • you feel free to be yourself
  • has mutual respect
  • can be open with each other
  • enjoy safe communication
  • is consensual

Signs of an
Unhealthy Relationship

  • feeling unhappy
  • feeling unsafe
  • feeling a lack of respect and choice
  • experiencing threats
  • physical violence
  • emotional abuse

If you are experiencing any of these then it is important to tell someone and seek help.

The NHS has information on maintaining healthy relationships and your mental wellbeing.

Relate offers self-help information on different issues you may face in a relationship.

Visit Victim Support for more information and support or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline which offers 24/7 confidential support, safety planning and access to local services.

Active Bystander

This is about being a good citizen and, whilst never putting yourself in harm's way or danger, calling out when you see something wrong. This could be from a stranger or someone you know.

5 Safe Ways to Help Stop Harassment

We have put together the following guide to help you be an active bystander:

Safety First!

Keep yourself safe first

Direct

Call out the harmful behaviour directly when it’s safe to do so.

Distract

Create a diversion, start a conversation or ask the person at risk a question.

Delegate

Ask someone close by for help who can step in.

Delay

If you can't check in with the person at risk right away, check in with them later to offer support.

Document

If it’s safe and won’t escalate things, discreetly record what’s happening. After, check in with the person before keeping or using the recording.

Check out these videos that talk more about Bystander Intervention:

Available Support

You can access support from the following services:

Guild Advice

Guild Advice is a professional, independent and free advice service for UoB students, offering in-person drop-ins and online support. Our experienced advisors are always happy to help.

Report & Support

You can report incidents using the University’s Report & Support online reporting tool, anonymously or giving your details so an advisor can get in touch.

University’s Wellbeing Services

The University’s Wellbeing Service provide a range of support. UBHeard is a free confidential listening support service.

Other Support

For emergency help call the Police or ambulance service on 999.

You may wish to access specialist support outside of the University. These services are free, confidential, and available whether or not you choose to report to the Police.

Horizon Sexual Assault Referral Centre offers free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support, in Birmingham and the West Midlands to adults and young people who have experienced sexual assault, including rape. Services include:

  • Immediate over-the-phone rape and sexual assault support and signposting to specialist services.
  • In-person rape or sexual assault crisis support and healthcare including access to medications, if needed.
  • Comprehensive Forensic Medical Examinations.
  • Referrals to specialist counselling.

RSVP (Rape & Sexual Violence Project) provides specialist, survivor-centred support to people aged 16+ who have experienced sexual violence at any point. Services include:

  • Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)
  • Emotional and practical support
  • Help navigating reporting options, medical appointments, or legal processes
  • Specialist counselling services

RSVP supports survivors of all genders and backgrounds.

Rape Crisis England & Wales: Confidential emotional support, information, and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and abuse. Support is available regardless of when the incident happened.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and access to local services.

SurvivorsUK: Specialist support for male and non-binary survivors of sexual violence, including helplines, counselling, and online resources.

The Samaritans: Available 24/7 to listen without judgement if you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or in a crisis.

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