“An online course to help students understand sexual consent

“An online course to help students understand sexual consent and promote positive change in the university community.”

Introduction Consent Matters: Boundaries, Respect and Positive Intervention is a fully interactive and evidence-based online course covering the areas of sexual consent, communication and relationships, and bystander intervention. This course explores the nature of sexual consent. It shows students how to seek consent, how to recognise it and how to identify situations where it can’t be given. Using activities, quizzes and relatable character scenarios, it teaches students the importance of good communication, clear boundaries and mutual respect. Within the context of social norm and bystander intervention theory, students will learn how to recognise difficult situations and possible ways of stepping in if others need help. Course Authors: Brook – The Sexual Health and Wellbeing Charity Dr Alan Berkowitz – Independent consultant.

Advisory Panel: Contributors Dr Alan Berkowitz, Independent Consultant Dr Alison Phipps - Reader in Sociology and Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, University of Sussex Dr Tanya Palmer - Lecturer in Law, University of Sussex Susuana Amoah, National Women's Officer (2014–2016), UK National Union of Students The University of Newcastle, Australia. Reviewers: Dr Jacqueline Gray, Associate Professor in Forensic Psychology, Middlesex University Jack Kilker, Equality Charters Coordinator, Royal Holloway, University of London Jess Lishak, Women’s Officer, Manchester University Students’ Union Dave Llewellyn, Founder, Good Lad Initiative Dr Penny Turnbull, Project Developer - Student Services, University of St Andrews Lawrence Wilson, Manager of Student Advisory Services, Cardiff Metropolitan University Carissa Perkins, Student Liaison Officer (Equity), Charles Sturt University

About the course Structure: 60-75 minute online course Comprised of four modules: Who is it for? 1st year students at the start of term/semester 1. Thinking about consent Any student new to the university 2. Communication skills and relationships Students of all genders 3. Looking out for others Students of all sexualities 4. Support 1 hour of supplementary materials Published: 4th July 2016

Overview and content Module and Times Thinking about consent 10-15 minutes approximately Communication skills and relationships 15-20 minutes approximately Looking out for others 30 minutes approximately Support Syllabus o The consent conversation o Why consent matters o Sex and consent o Consent misconceptions o Consent 101 o How consent works in practice o Practice scenario: Alcohol and consent o o o o o o Communication and consent Boundaries Let’s talk about sex Stop, Pause, Go Relationships and respect Practice scenario: Pressure, communication skills and respect o o o o o o o What’s positive intervention? Difficult situations Choosing to step in Becoming an active bystander What holds us back? Different ways of stepping in Practice scenario: Looking out for others o o Where to get support Supporting a friend Authors/Reviewers Author: Brook – The Sexual Health and Wellbeing Charity Author: Brook – The Sexual Health and Wellbeing Charity Author: Dr Alan Berkowitz

Course features Animations introducing key topics and issues Substantial practice scenarios which reinforce positive messages and allow students to reflect on what they have learned, review different perspectives and receive feedback Links to national support services Practical advice about ‘Supporting a friend’, including a series of tips and advice in how to handle disclosures from peers A ‘Consent in the News’ feature introducing key statistics and articles to highlight the context of consent Student quotes and vox pop animations providing an authentic student perspective into the topic A range of interactive activities encouraging knowledge checking and reflection

What does it look like? Course welcome screen Consent in the News feature

What does it look like? Example poll activity from module 3 Example animation from module 2

The approach 1. Evidence-based:- the course uses social norms theory and Module 3 is authored by Dr Alan Berkowitz. Poll activities and key figures from prominent and reputable studies and reports. 2. Positive (not punitive) message 3. Short screens for easy engagement 4. Scenario heavy: practice scenarios 5. Peer voice is included: vox pops, quotes, examples 6. Personalisation activities:- allow students to positively reflect on their values, what they know and what their priorities are.

Support materials for Consent Matters available from: https:// epigeum.com/customer-support/implementation-too lkit/course-tools/consent-matters/