Never OK

 
⚠️ Content warning: This page includes reference to sexual harassment and violence and may be triggering to some readers

Never OK is a joint campaign by The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford, promoting an environment and culture where sexual harassment or violence is never tolerated.

The campaign encourages everyone to be active bystanders and challenge unacceptable behaviour when they witness it. We also want to empower survivors of sexual harassment or violence to seek support and feel confident about reporting incidents.

Never OK gives you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take action against sexual harassment.

 

What we've done so far:

‘Understanding Consent’ module – we want to empower every student to better understand your own boundaries and to respect those of others, as well as gain knowledge about consent and healthy relationships. We’ve created an online course to explore the complexities of consent when applied to our lives and our relationships, why we need to talk about it, and what should expect from a sexual partner.

Extended boundaries on our Safe Zone app – the Safe Zone app allows you to contact Campus Support and Security quickly and discreetly for support, and in September 2021, we teamed up with Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford so you’re covered on their campuses too.

Safety networks – we have established a number of networks with internal and external partners to help keep students safe – these groups meet regularly and include student representatives and the Greater Manchester Police.

Specialist support staff – we have a specially trained Sexual Violence & Harassment Response Team to support students through the reporting process and to provide relevant care before, during and after the process.

Additional support and resources:

The University’s team of professional counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health workers offers confidential support - find out more and book an appointment here. 

The St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Manchester Rape Crisis both have Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA’s) who are trained to look after the needs of a survivor of rape or sexual violence to ensure they receive the best possible care and understanding. Contact them and ask to speak to an advisor in confidence.

Survivor's Manchester offers a range of services for men who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives.

Galop is charity that supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people affected by sexual violence.

Our Campus Support and Security Services team provide security across all of the University’s campus areas. They are the first point of contact, providing advice and assistance to staff and students 24 hours of the day. You can get in touch with the Campus Support and Security team at 0161 306 9966 (on the back of your ID card) or by raising an alert in the SafeZone app. In an emergency, always call 999. 

If you are a student you can talk to your academic adviser, or a support adviser in your school if you feel your studies have been affected by your circumstances. School staff will be able to help with academics as well signposting where you can reach out for further support.

The SU Advice Service  is a free confidential, impartial service where students can get advice and information on academic and personal issues, including advice on procedures and representation at hearings. The Advice Service is also a hate crime reporting centre.

Drop-in or contact your Student Support Hubs if you would like to speak to a member of the team about any wellbeing related issue. Hubs have private spaces where you can speak to a member of staff. Find out more about Hub locations and opening times.

If you are a student in Halls, all of the residences have a team of ResLife Advisors (RLA’s) living in-house, which is made up of either postgraduate students or members of staff at the University. The team can be an important source of guidance and support for students.

If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened you can consider applying for mitigating circumstancesAn advisor in your school will be able to provide more information.

🚨 Help in a crisis or emergency

If you believe you or others are at risk and need emergency help, call the Police or ambulance service on 999. For urgent help on campus you can contact University Security on 0161 306 9966. Security staff are first aid trained and can provide assistance in the event of an emergency or other incidents. Alternatively, use the SafeZone app which will alert Security to an emergency or the need for first aid support.

Sexual Violence Support - Drop Ins
Advice Service, first floor of the Students’ Union

Upcoming sessions in Semester 1:

  • Thursday 7 December 2023, 12pm - 2pm

Upcoming sessions in Semester 2: 

  • Thursday 1 February 2024, 12pm - 2pm
  • Thursday 7 March 2024, 12pm - 2pm
  • Thursday 11 April 2024, 12pm - 2pm
  • Thursday 2 May 2024, 12pm - 2pm

You can go to the drop-in for information, advice, support or just someone to talk to about any form of sexual violence, harassment, abuse or rape. Colleagues from Trafford Rape Crisis and the LGBT Foundation will be there too, and you’ll have the opportunity to speak to them in a confidential space.

This is not a clinical or therapeutic drop-in, simply just a safe space where you can talk to someone who understands sexual violence and has a knowledge of the help available in Greater Manchester. It's open to anyone, whether you’ve experienced something yourself, either recently or in the past, or if you’re worried about someone else. If you’re not sure who to speak to in the Advice Service, just ask our reception team for the Sexual Violence Support drop-in and we’ll know what you’re looking for.