PLEDGE AGAINST VIOLENCE

 By Laura Stowe - News Reporter

The University marked the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on the 25th of November. Also known as White Ribbon Day, with awareness raising activities in the foyer of Fulton House. 

Volunteers painted realistic bruises and cuts on the faces of some female students to provoke reactions and encourage people to talk about domestic violence. Organisers were also keen to engage with male students and encouraged over 170 of them to make pledges that they would never harm a woman. 

The pledges appeared as hand prints on a board accompanied by the students’ signatures. Women’s Officer, Raegan Healy, said, “Around 96 per cent of reported domestic violence cases are men attacking women. For that reason, it is important that this campaign engages with men, as well as women, to secure their support and help in bringing these issues to light.”

The true nature and scale of rape, domestic violence and other violence against women is often underestimated, especially among student populations. According to the NUS Hidden Marks survey, which surveyed over 2,000 female students across the UK, one in seven (14 per cent) have been the victim of serious sexual assault or serious physical violence whilst at university or college.

If you have experienced any kind of domestic violence, harassment or assault whilst being at university it is very important that you report it or do something about it now. Help and advice is available from the following:

• SU advice centre on advice@swansea-union.co.uk 
• SU Womens Officer  on womensofficer@swansea-union.co.uk 
• SU Welfare Officer on welfareofficer@swansea-union.co.uk